FIREFIGHTERS have urged the public to not leave animals in the car while the weather is hot after finding two dogs locked in a camper van with no water.

Yesterday, on July 9, at 12.46pm a crew from Bridport Fire Station were approached by a concerned member of the public who told firefighters that two dogs were locked inside a camper van.

The dogs were said to be 'looking pretty warm', locked in cages, with no water and just a roof vent open.

A thermal camera was used by the crew who found the temperature inside the van to be 36C.

A spokesman for Bridport Fire Station said: "Just as we were leaving the previous incident at Seatown a concerned member of public told us of two dogs locked inside a camper van.

"Upon inspection crews found the two dogs looking pretty warm in cages with no water and just a roof vent open.

"Crews used a triple extension ladder to get onto the roof and using a thermal imaging camera found the temperature inside the van was at 36C. Just as we were informing the police the owner arrived and opened up the van. Advice was given.

"It goes without saying, in these temperatures, do not leave animals in vehicles. Even with the windows open temperatures can be very high."