A WARNING has been issued after a dog was found locked in a hot car in Broadheath on Tuesday.

Police received a report of a dog in a locked car which parked in full sunlight in Altrincham Retail Park, in George Richards Way, at around 4.30pm on August 16.

The dog appeared to be ok when the owner returned to the car after 15 minutes. The owner left before police arrived but officers said they are aware of the owner’s identity and will be ‘advising accordingly’.

Following the incident, police issued a warning to pet owners on GMP Trafford South’s Facebook page.

“You try sitting in a car with no windows down in this sunshine,” read the post.

“It’s amazing how hot and uncomfortable you become in a couple of minutes, imagine being locked in there for longer.

“Dogs die in hot cars. Please think and take your dog home before shopping.”

Officers urged anyone who spots a dog in distress to call 999, where a call handler will offer advice. Police said photographs of the car and witness details should be taken before any attempts to smash the window, as this could lead to legal action on criminal damage grounds if found to be an unjustifiable action.