MORE calls were made to an animal welfare charity about dogs being locked in scorching cars across Hampshire than anywhere else in the country over the bank holiday weekend.

The early May bank holiday broke temperature records and hit more than 27C across Romsey.

The most calls made to the RSPCA about canines being left alone in hot cars came from those in Hampshire.

A total of 17 calls were made throughout the three days.

That was five more than London.

The charity has again warned drivers not to take the risk. Nationally, three calls were made every hour.

In 2017, almost 8,000 calls were made about animals in hot environments.

RSPCA campaign manager Holly Barber said: “Many people think it will be fine just to leave their pets for a minute or two but we know that this is all it takes for temperature inside a car to soar to dangerous levels.

“Dogs die in hot cars – don’t let your pet be one of the number. We have been doing a lot of campaigning lately about the dangers of leaving your do in a hot car, and it’s really worrying that despite this, some people are still putting their pets in dangerous situations.”

Members of the public who grow concerned about animals in hot environments are advised to call the police on 999.

Holly added: “Our main advice to owners is not to leave dogs in cars, and our main advice to passers-by is to call 999 if they’re concerned about an animal in a hot environment.”

Hampshire was top with 17, before Greater London and West Yorkshire with 12 calls recorded.

The next county was Surrey, followed by Greater Manchester and Derbyshire.

The RSPCA also has a dogs die in hot cars campaign, which is launched every year as the weather begins to heat up, to make owners aware of the dangers in the summer.