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Motorists could be slapped with a hefty fine or a custodial sentence for making a major error while travelling in their cars amid in the UK. Taking a on a day out may appear harmless, but keeping pooches in the vehicle for too long could backfire.

sitting in a hot car can become seriously ill and owners will likely be held responsible if they die as a result. This could lead to motorists being hit with animal cruelty charges, which comes with the risk of serious penalties. Pet-lovers have been warned of the potential nightmare as temperatures rise and with them the temptation for trips away.

explained: "It is not illegal as such to leave a dog in a hot car, but owners are legally responsible for their pet's health and welfare.

"If a dog became ill or sadly died due to being left in a hot car, owners could be charged with the offence of animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This could lead to a prison sentence and/or a fine."

"If a dog dies from being left in a hot car, owners can expect to face a six month prison sentence. In addition, there could be a hefty fine under the Animal Welfare Act 2006."

It comes as the UK is as 24C in London this week.

Rhydian Jones, car insurance expert stressed: "When travelling, it's important to keep your pet cool.

"You can do this by using air conditioning where possible or blocking direct sunlight with a sunshade.

"It could also be worth cracking the window slightly for a breeze, though not enough for your pet to get their head out. It's also important to make sure they're safely restrained, and consider using a cool mat to help regulate their body temperature. If you're planning a longer journey, you should take regular breaks to let your pet stretch, hydrate, and cool down."

"And if you need to leave them alone in the car for a period of time, even just for a few minutes, it's important to be aware of the dangers of this. Temperatures inside can quickly soar higher than those outside which can put pets at serious risk of heatstroke, which can be fatal. It's safest to avoid leaving them in the car at all in warm weather."