'Distressed' dogs rescued from cars

A dog was left in a car for four hours while its owners took a river trip

Dog wardens and police officers in south Devon have rescued two dogs after they were discovered trapped in hot cars and close to death.

They are considering taking legal action against the pet owners in both cases.

In the first incident in Totnes, the dog wardens were called out to rescue an elderly dachshund.

The temperature outside the car was 28C and the dog had been left inside the vehicle for four hours while its owners took a trip on the River Dart.

A collie dog was rescued from another hot car by police officers in Totnes, after it was discovered in clear distress.

Both pet owners have been severely reprimanded, and the authorities are considering taking legal action.