Dog owners are warned not to leave their pets in cold vehicles

DRIVERS are being reminded that leaving their dogs alone in their cars can put them at risk.

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Many assume winter brings fewer dangers than summer, yet temperatures in car interiors can drop within minutes once the heater is off, leaving dogs at risk far sooner than most people expect.

Chris Maxted, director of motorhome gate company Dog-G8, warned drivers about the dangers of leaving dogs in cold vehicles, including the chance of fines up to £20,000 and even imprisonment.