A dog-walker accidentally killed six pets after locking them in the back of a hot truck for 45 minutes then lied and said the animals had been stolen.

Emma Paulsen sparked a week-long hunt for the dogs - Buddy, Teemo, Oscar, Mia, Molly and Salty - after saying they had been taken from her truck when she left for ten minutes to use a bathroom.

But Paulsen confessed to pet investigators that the animals, including her own dog, died after she locked them in her pickup for 45 minutes.

Paulsen reported the dogs missing after taking them for a walk in a park in Brookswood, British Colombia, Canada.

She now faces a fine of $75,000 (£44,500) or up to two years in prison.

The SPCA, which is leading the investigation, will recommend that authorities pursue animal cruelty charges, said Marcie Moriarty, the organisation’s chief prevention and enforcement officer.

Petsearch Canada added: "Emma disclosed that all six dogs were in the back of her vehicle with the side vent windows open and water available, as she had done hundreds of times. 

"All six dogs perished from heatstroke. Upon arriving and Emma seeing her beloved charges deceased, she went into a blind panic at the thought of notifying the families and the possible repercussions. 

"In a complete state of shock and panic, Emma made a desperate attempt to cover up what had happened and concocted a story to explain the loss of the dogs."