A WOMAN is facing the threat of prosecution after a dog died in a car on the hottest day of the year.

The 59-year-old woman, who has not been named, was traced and interviewed by the RSPCA, after the animal was spotted collapsed in the vehicle in Guiseley.

The RSPCA appealed for information after its officers and West Yorkshire police were called to Morrisons car park last week.

The person who called in the incident rushed into the supermarket to raise the alarm. Staff came out to the vehicle, followed shortly by the owner, who then quickly drove off saying she was taking the dog to the vets.

The RSPCA asked for help to trace the woman amid concerns for the safety of the animal which appeared to be unresponsive, and the public were asked to call an appeal line with any information.

Yesterday a spokeswoman for the charity, Leanne Plumtree, said: "A 59-year-old woman was interviewed by the RSPCA yesterday (Tuesday July 26) after a dog collapsed in a hot car in Leeds last week.

"The RSPCA made a public appeal to find the owner and dog last Wednesday (July 20) after the incident in the car park of Morrisons Supermarket on Otley Road, Guiseley, Leeds the previous day.

"Sadly, the dog - a female white and tan Bulldog called Ruby - died.

"A case file is now being put together for consideration by the RSPCA's independent prosecutions department, who will decide whether to bring a prosecution."

The appeal came just days after the RSPCA and other animal welfare charities launched a nationwide campaign to highlight the dangers of leaving animals in hot cars.

Over the weekend of July 16 and 17, the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency line had 106 reports of dogs left in hot environments and the influx of calls prompted the charity to reissue its appeal to owners never to leave their pet unattended in a vehicle when it’s warm.