A Kingston man has been charged under the Ontario SPCA act after leaving a dog unattended in a hot car in Toronto back in June.

On June 21st, Parker (a large mixed breed black dog), was left in an SUV at the Queen's Quay Loblaws. Temperatures would top 30 degrees that day.

Police had to break into the vehicle to free the animal but the dog got loose and ran onto the Gardiner, briefly stopping traffic.

The man, who has not been identified, faces one count of permitting distress under the province's SPCA act.

If convicted, the man faces a maximum charge of two years in jail and/or a maximum fine of $60,000 dollars. The man could also be permanently banned from owning another animal.

Officials at the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals say they've got more calls than usual this summer for dogs left unattended in hot cars.

"There's no good reason to have an animal left unattended in a vehicle," says Investigations and Communications Officer Brad Dewar. "It's one of the most irresponsible things that a pet owner can do."

He attributes the higher number of calls to warmer temperatures and more public awareness thanks to a number of high profile stories in the media.