A social media post showing photos of the dog in the car, with windows left partially down, was quickly shared across Facebook, and Tasmania Police and RSPCA were called.

Peta Von Stieglitz, who took the photos and shared the post, said the dog had been in the car since 7am and she could not find the owner.

Members of the public who were concerned about the dog called the police, who apparently attended and removed the dog from the vehicle and took it to the RSPCA in Mowbray.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Ray Kroeze said the Animal Welfare Act provides for authorised personnel under the Act – RSPCA inspectors, police and some DPIPWE authorities – to make entry into a locked vehicle and take a trapped dog if they are concerned for its welfare.

However he said the legislation does not cover members of the general public and it can be a “grey area” over appropriate action.

Some comments on the social media post urged people at the car to break windows and free the dog, but the legislation does not provide cover for people who are not authorised.

Tasmania Police have been contacted for comment.

EARLIER It’s an easy mistake to make – take the dogs to the park for a run, and on the way back you just stop for a few minutes to pick up some groceries from the supermarket.

But on a hot summer’s day stuck inside a rapidly heating car, your dog’s temperature can spike within minutes.

If you get waylaid in the supermarket, it’s highly likely you could return to a dangerously overheated dog.

In this calendar year RSPCA Tasmania received 59 complaints of dogs trapped in hot cars or left on the tray of a ute.

RSPCA Tasmania Chief Inspector Ray Kroeze said in Tasmania there is no specific legal offence for leaving a dog in a vehicle or in the back of a ute, but leaving an unattended car with windows down is illegal.

Leaving an animal without water and shelter is, however, an offence under the Animal Welfare Act.

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“Whilst there is no legislation surrounding pets being left in hot cars, depending on the outcome, these situations can be offences under Section (7) Management of animals, Section (8) Cruelty to animals, or even Section (9) Aggravated cruelty,” he said.

“The maximum penalty for serious animal cruelty is a 5 year term of imprisonment, or a fine not exceeding $31,800, or both.”

Mr Kroeze said a memorandum of understanding between Tasmania Police and the RSPCA that gives both organisations the power to enforce compliance and respond to complaints of distressed dogs or pets.

He said anyone concerned about a dog in a hot car should call Tasmania Police on 13 4444, and also try to find the owner.