POLICE are responding to increasing calls from members of the public with concerns for dogs locked in cars.

As such, Devon & Cornwall Police are reminding people what to do in the event of a dog in a vehicle when the owner is not present.

If a dog is suffering from heatstroke, call 999.

Signs of heatstroke include panting heavily, drooling excessively, lethargy, drowsiness and vomiting.

Please do not force entry into the vehicle in the first instance, police say.

If the police don't have time to get there, then you have to decide if you should take action, making sure you tell the police what you intend to do and why.

Where possible, take photos or videos of the dog, as well as names and numbers of any other witnesses.

A spokesperson for Devon & Cornwall Police said: ‘Don't force entry, unless you are certain that you have the legal grounds to do so and are prepared to defend your actions in court, should any legal action be taken against you.

‘You can read what the law states around this topic on our website’.