Dog saved by Lyme Regis Coastguard after being left in a hot car in Charmouth for more than two hours

The dog was left unattended in a vehicle at Charmouth Beach.

Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis Neighbourhood Policing Team said the vehicle had been parked in direct sunlight with the windows only slightly opened.

Coastguards managed to remove the dog, a large black Labrador from the car before volunteers from the National Coastwatch Institution looked after it and helped it to recover.

Police added that if the dog had not been removed from the vehicle at this time it would have been in “serious risk of dying”.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said that nobody has been arrested at this time and enquiries are ongoing in to the incident.

Judi Gifford from the NCI said he dog was noticed at 2.30pm on Sunday, with temperatures at around 25 degrees, and its owner did not return until around 4pm.

She added that it was noticed by members of the public who notified the car park attendant who then approached members of the NCI.

Members Lyme Regis Coastguard were nearby demonstrating a cliff rescue for the public and went to help.

Coastguard members, with permission from the police, freed the dog and handed it over to NCI for safety, with the owner arriving back later.

Police have reminded people about the dangers of leaving animals in a car in hot weather.

A spokesman said: “Even 10 minutes, with the windows open, can be enough to cause dehydration, heatstroke and death. If it is 22 degrees outside, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach 47 degrees within one hour. Think, If you are going to have to leave your dog unattended, then leave it at home.”

The RSPCA has also issued advice, stating: “Never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, dial 999.

“Many people still believe that it’s ok to leave a dog in a car on a warm day if the windows are left open or they’re parked in the shade, but the truth is, it’s still a very dangerous situation for the dog.”