Police Constable, Mark Johnson, left the two German Shepherds in his car in temperatures of more than 84F at Nottinghamshire Police headquarters.

When Johnson, who has served with the force for nearly 18 years, returned to his vehicle both police dogs, Jet and 18-month-old Jay-Jay, were dead after temperatures inside the vehicle soared. They had died in “excruciating pain”, Nottingham Magistrates' Court heard.

The Court handed Johnson a six-month conditional discharge and he was ordered to pay £2,500. Johnson will face a disciplinary hearing to decide on his future.

Geldards partner, Tim Shock said: “This was an extremely distressing case of animal neglect and one which, in our opinion, could only have resulted in a guilty verdict from the Court. We hope it goes a long way to highlight the need to safeguard the welfare of animals in vehicles.”

The RSPCA welcomed the verdict, RSPCA Chief Inspector, Simon Parker said: "Two dogs died unnecessarily, a horrific death, and a conviction was wholeheartedly the right decision today, and I'm thankful for the judge for that. Everyone needs to remember how hot cars can get during warm weather. Cases like this, particularly when it's a professional person, should not happen."