Police in Slovakia have fined a man whose dog was seen sitting behind the wheel of a speeding car.

The speed-camera photo, which was posted by police on Facebook, appears to show a canine in the driver’s seat of a Škoda.

“Police officers could not believe their eyes,” the post said.

“Instead of a photo of the driver, a brown hunting dog was smiling beautifully into the camera.”

Police said they stopped the “irresponsible” 31-year-old dog owner for speeding in the village of Šterusy, north-east of Slovakia’s capital Bratislava.

The man claimed his pet, Havino, had suddenly jumped into his lap while driving.

But police said footage showed this was not the case as there were no sudden movements in the car.

“Officers fined him on the spot for violating traffic regulations,” police said.

It is not clear whether the fine was issued for speeding, or for failing to secure the dog while driving.

Police urged motorists to secure their pets safely in their cars.

“Even a small animal can endanger your life and health while driving,” police said.