Wales continues to be the only nation in Great Britain to display warning messages to motorists about the dangers of leaving dogs in a hot car.

Lee Waters, the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Climate Change, confirmed in a letter to RSPCA Cymru that messages will "continue to be shown on the Variable Message Signs at appropriate times during periods of high temperatures".

The message displayed on Wales' roads will read: ‘CEIR POETH YN LLADD CWN / DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS’

The Leader:

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With lockdown restrictions ending in Wales, the RSPCA fears the return of more regular day trips and holidays over the summer which could see more dogs left in cars during hot weather, which is potentially fatal for pets.

Dogs left alone in a car on a hot day can quickly become dehydrated, develop heat stroke or even die but, sadly, calls to the RSPCA and Police about the issue remain commonplace.

One RSPCA staff member put the rising temperatures to the test - and saw the heat climb from 23.3°C to more than 57°C degrees in only 26 minutes.

Carrie Stones, RSPCA campaigns manager,  said: "This is simply great news for canine companions.

"With normality returning to people's lives this summer in Wales, it's more important than ever that we spread the word - dogs die in hot cars.

“Up to 30 million Brits are expected to holiday in the UK in 2022, and many of us will be taking our four-legged friends along - so these reminders will be vital.

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"Awareness-raising measures like this from the Welsh Government will help save the lives of dogs.

“We welcome any steps to remind motorists that - not long is too long when a dog is left in a car. Even a quick stop-off at a shop could prove fatal as temperatures escalate.

"If anyone sees a dog in distress in a hot car, they should dial 999 immediately - but we hope, each year, more and more people will get the message about not exposing their dogs to the potentially fatal heat.

"We continue to urge Highways England to follow suit - so drivers in England get the same life-saving reminders for dogs when journeying on the motorway and trunk road network there; just like is happening across Wales again in 2022."

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Mr Waters MS said: “Leaving dogs in vehicles on hot summer days is a major animal welfare concern and a message that sometimes people forget, therefore I am very pleased to offer our continued support for this important campaign on our roads.”

More information on the dangers of leaving a dog in a hot car can be found online.