A YOUNG girl has written a poem as a heartfelt plea to stop dog owners leaving their pets in hot cars.

Lana Castagnetti was moved to pen the rhyme, entitled Every Second Could Be His List, after reading an article about the RSPCA's Dog Die in Hot Cars campaign.

The nine-year-old, who lives in Brighton with her mother Julie, father David and six-year-old sister Gioveda, said: "I adore all animals and was inspired by the RSPCA's work. I think the staff do an absolutely fantastic job."

Her mum said: "She was really taken by the article. The moment she saw it she was down on the floor writing her poem.

“Everytime I read it I get goosebumps.”

Her work comes as animal charity reveals it has received more than 5,700 calls nationally so far this year on the subject.

It is predicting more calls from concerned animal lovers as the temperatures are expected to continue to soar this week.

Most of the calls to the charity's 24 hour cruelty line have been about dogs in hot environments, with some concerns raised about other pets.

July saw the most reports - 1,343 and May saw 1,267 calls.

In July the charity teamed up with 11 others including Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Dog's Trust and the National Animal Welfare Trust to launch the annual campaign.

It aims to raise awareness about the dangers of leaving any animal in a vehicle, caravan, conservatory or outbuilding, where temperatures can quickly rise, even when it does not feel that warm outside.

When it is 22C outside, within an hour the temperature can reach 47C inside a vehicle, which can result in death.

Anyone with concerns can call the cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 but call police on 999 if a dog is in danger.

The poem

His owner popped out "I won't be long",

But of course, his owner was very wrong.

Not many notice, but time goes fast,

For every second could be his last.

His big, soppy eyes stared at the clock,

He watched the seconds go, tick-tock.

Sweat was dripping from his head,

He looked out the car window,

'Fear' it read.

He gave a little whine,

"Please, look at the time",

But no-one could hear,

And the time was near.

Don't leave your dog in the car,

Let this message spread far,

Or your dog will end up like this one.