Pet owners warned as hot weather forecast

Dog owners have been told to avoid walking their dogs on hot surfaces

An animal charity has issued a warning to pet owners after hot weather was forecast in Guernsey.

The Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) urged people to not keep animals in locked cars, walk them on hot pavements or keep them in direct sunlight.

BBC weather said temperatures are expected to head towards 20C (68F) on Wednesday.

GSPCA manager Steve Byrne said not looking after pets properly during spells of hot weather can put their lives in danger.

In the UK, a heat health warning is in place until 17:00 BST on Thursday as temperatures are expected to hit the mid-20s.

'Life-threatening situation'

Mr Byrne said the GSPCA was expecting a rise in the number of calls related to animals overheating to increase over the next few weeks.

He said when temperatures reach 25C (77F), tarmac on roads can reach 52C (126F), which can harm animals - especially dogs - if they walk on the hot surface.

Mr Byrne added leaving animals in hot buildings including greenhouses and conservatories could also harm them.

"We urge all pet owners to stop and think and ensure that their pet is not put in a life-threatening situation with this lovely sunny warm weather," he said.