A dog was locked in a sweltering car on one of the hottest days of the summer while its thoughtless owner went for a swim.
Worried members of the public called the RSPCA when they spotted the panting pooch in the back of the car parked outside the pool in Burgess Hill.
RSPCA chief inspector Carroll Lamport was called to the scene.
He managed to track down the owner, who admitted the animal had been locked up for more than three hours.
The incident was just one in a series of calls the RSPCA has answered in the past month.
Livestock lovers at the South of England Show in Ardingly triggered a series of complaints when they left their pets in cars while going out to enjoy the show.
Mr Lamport said: "A dog left in a warm car, conservatory, greenhouse, caravan or shed will quickly begin to suffer from heatstroke.
"Leaving windows open and a bowl of water is not enough."
Anyone found guilty of causing suffering to an animal faces a fine of up to £5,000 and six months in prison.
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