READING Annette Perring's letter (Times, August 30) compelled me to add my name to hers.

There should be a law against leaving dogs in hot cars. It does not have to be sunny for a car to become hot and of there was such a law, it would make it easier for the public to act when a dog is suffering.

It takes only 15 to 20 minutes for a dog to die in a hot car. During this time, as its body overheats, it will pant, salivate, move frantically around, if it has any room, which is all too often not the case, exhibit signs of distress and die.

The mental anguish it will endure will be almost as bad as the physical; it will see people and the outside world, where it desperately wants to be, but cannot escape. Sheer terror and absolute torture.

Leaving a window or two open an inch or so is not enough.

I would urge members of the public to be vigilant and brave. Yes, it does take courage to become involved — but if you care for animals, hate to see them suffer, and don't want their suffering or death on your conscience because you failed to help them, it is the least you can do.

If you see a dog in a car, in a public place and left alone, observe it, note the time, the place, the conditions, the vehicle and phone the RSPCA on 0300 1234999.

If the animal's distress is extreme, time is of the essence. Phone the police on 999. They can respond more quickly than the RSPCA. Also they can access a vehicle without causing too much damage.

This information comes from the RSPCA, who I phoned on the number — 0300 1234999 — selected option three (pets and domestic animals) and got through to a person quickly after a short recorded message.

Please don't let dogs suffer or die in hot cars.

Elizabeth G Lloyd

Old Barn Close

Winkleigh

WE travel to Tavistock every Saturday morning for our fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and pet food.

About 9am our bus pulls into Yelverton. Every week I see at least one car with a dog shut inside. I have tried to ring RSPCA but the engine noise makes that impossible.

On occasions cars along the road from Tavistock bus depot to the Pannier Market I have seen dogs shut in cars.

If dog owners in the countryside leave dogs in cars to die in the heat, how can we expect others to take care of the dogs they say they love.

I read the letter in the Times (August 30) which prompted me to write about what I have seen.

Mrs N Margerum

Plymouth