PICTURE this – Sunday, July 20, Tesco car park, 1.20pm, outside temperature 35 degrees, beautiful still day with no breeze – perfect summer weather? Not so for me.

A small blue car with a small dog inside. The passenger window was open just two inches with no water bowl. The little dog’s tongue was hanging out, probably as far as possible.

Several concerned people contacted the customer services who came out to investigate and tried to contact the owner of the dog.

The car was parked for 25 minutes and the dog’s distress was very upsetting. As I left the car park the woman returned with her shopping. I spoke to her in case she did not realise the distress she had caused the dog. Her reply, two fingers and two words.

I really hope she is the exception of how to treat an animal in extreme circumstances, but I fear not.

Animals rely on people to keep them safe and comfortable, so please irresponsible pet owners remember that a car can heat up so quickly and a dog can die within 20 minutes. Is your shopping worth that?

A 'very angry' Jennifer Sands,
Helston