Can you legally smash a car window if a dog is inside on a hot day?

While this is cause to celebrate, it's also cause for concern as the heat can prove fatal to dogs left in cars.

Over the weekend Norfolk Police received several reports of dogs in cars. On Twitter they advised the public to 'consider the welfare' of animals and themselves.

They also shared a message from the RSPCA to remind pet owners of the dangers. The post said: 'Never leave your dog alone in a car. If it's 22C outside, inside a car it can get to 47C within 60 minutes.

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'In hot stuffy vehicles dogs cannot cool themselves down, even with the windows open.

'Heatstroke can be fatal to dogs'

So what can you do if you spot a dog suffering?

• Start by assessing the animal's condition. Are they displaying any signs of heatstroke such as heavy panting, excessive drooling or vomiting? If they are showing symptoms call 999 immediately.

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• If the police are too far away you may consider taking action to free the dog. In this instance you must make sure the police are aware of your intentions and understand that you may have to defend your actions in court. Because of this you should obtain images or record footage of the dog in distress and collect the names and phone numbers of any witnesses in the area.

What does the law say?

The Criminal Damage Act of 1971 states that a person has a lawful excuse to commit damage if 'at the time of the act or acts alleged to constitute the offence he believed that the person or persons whom he believed to be entitled to consent to the destruction of or damage to the property in question had so consented, or would have so consented to it if he or they had known of the destruction or damage and its circumstances.'

• For more information contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.