The post on the Mudgee Community Group page claimed – “a Navara Utility, with a canopy, parked in Gulgong - which had four dogs in the back, was left for the majority of the day with no water.” 

“The four dogs were found deceased,” – the post continued with this warning – “Just want to let people know not to leave their pets in the car in the sweltering heat.”

The post has now attracted more than 40 comments and shares, with Facebook users expressing their shock.

“Omg this is unforgivable. I hope this person is never allowed to own an animal again,” a Facebook user commented.

Another said “Hope the RSPCA get involved.”

Mid Western Regional Council Ranger, Chris Burns has spoken with the Mudgee LAC Police in relation to the incident and confirmed they are investigating the death of the four dogs. 

“Police attended on Sunday and are continuing to investigate.”

“Once the Police have finalised the report, they will be giving all details to the RSPCA,” he said.

It comes just just days after the Council released a warning to pet owners to not leave dogs on utility trays during hot weather.

Council rangers responded to three other incidents last week of dogs being left for long periods of time on utility trays during temperatures exceeding the high 30s.

Ranger Burns warned leaving a dog in the sun on a hot utility tray can cause serious burns and injury to an animal.

“Consider taking off your shoes and standing barefoot on a steel tray in 40 degree heat, it can have devastating effects.”

Causing animals to suffer in any way is a criminal offence.

If your dog suffers as a result of being left in a car, you can be fined $5,500 and can spend six months in jail.

If your dog dies as a result of being left in a car, charges include $22,500 in fines and two years in jail.

If you see a dog suffering in a hot car or utility tray, call RSPCA NSW immediately on 1300 278 3589 (1300 CRUELTY) or Mudgee Police on 6372 8599.

The Mudgee Veterinary Hospital (MVH) is also calling for pet owners to be responsible.

“Dogs and cats don’t sweat like humans do and they use panting to cool down, this makes it hard for them to cool down in a hot car,” said Nick Fittler from MVH.

“Leaving the windows down still doesn’t keep your car cool enough to keep your pets safe, so whether it’s just to run a quick errand or for an hour please avoid leaving your dog or cat inside the car.

“We all know how much it hurts when you step on a hot footpath with your bare feet in the middle of summer. What we tend to forget is this is exactly the same for dogs.

“When walking your dogs be mindful of walking on surfaces which become heated in the sun as they can in fact burn your dog’s foot pads (this includes footpaths, roads, pavements etc).

“A good way to test if the footpath is too hot is to place your hand on it and hold it there for 10 seconds - if it’s too hot for you it’s too hot for your dog. So try walking on grass instead, or walk your dog in the mornings and evenings when it’s cooler.

“Some dogs can be more heat affected than others. Darker fur tends to get hotter than lighter coloured fur, and short faced dogs such as pugs and bulldogs can also struggle more in the heat and can even find it harder to breathe. These dogs need to be closely monitored and kept cool to keep them safe.” Mr Fittler said.