SEDGEMOOR District Council is urging people to be aware of the risks of keeping dogs in cars during the summer.

The district council has installed "Dogs Die in Hot Cars" warning signs in all of its car parks to encourage owners to remove the pets from the cars.

A report by the RSPCA showed that temperatures inside a car can reach more than 50 degrees celsius, which is enough to kill a canine if it is left in the sweltering heat for too long.

The warning signs installed by the council also include advice for people if they see a dog in a car.

A spokesman for Sedgemoor District Council said: "The council is proud to support the RSPCA's campaign and highlight the potentially awful consequences of leaving dogs unattended.

"Twenty-two degrees outside can get as high as 47 degrees inside a car, in less than an hour.

"Dogs struggle to regulate their body temperature and can easily become out of breath and very distressed, or worse, in much less time.

"Our message is if you love your pet don't leave them alone in a car, caravan or motorhome - even on what seems like a mild day.

"People are reminded - if you see a dog in distress in a hot vehicle, call 999, and the police will notify the RSPCA if animal assistance is needed."