Credit: Submitted
A local Republican lawmaker is joining two of his Democratic counterparts with legislation that would protect pets left unattended in a vehicles.
Langhorne-based State Rep. Frank Farry (PA-142) announced the legislation Tuesday morning at a press conference at the Humane Society of the Harrisburg. He was joined by State Rep. Kevin Schreiber (D-York) and State Sen. Rob Teplitz (D-Dauphin/Perry.)
Advertisements
The Motor Vehicle Extreme Heat Protection Act (HB 1516) would make it illegal to leave a cat or dog in an unattended motor vehicle in a manner that would endanger the health and well-being of the animal. If the legislation is passed, the bill would allow law enforcement to remove the animal if they felt it was in danger or suffering and file a summary ticket against the person who left the animal in the vehicle.
The police officer, public safety professional or humane officer handling the incident would be able to retrieve the animal after a “reasonable search” for the operator of the vehicle is conducted. The lawmakers noted that the officer who removes the animal from the vehicle would not be held liable for any damages.
Once rescued from the unattended vehicle, the animals must be taken to a veterinary hospital or animal care clinic for a health screening and treatment. A note with information on the officer and where the pet was taken must be left with the car, according to the legislation.
Advertisements
“The heat of summer can be dangerous for animals, especially those left inside hot cars. Every year, countless animals die after being left behind while their owners work, visit, shop or run other errands,” Farry said. “These deaths are tragic and entirely preventable.”
Data provided by the lawmakers shows it takes just 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car reach 99 degrees on a 80-degree day. In 30 minutes, the temperature can reach 114 degrees. At those temperatures, animals can face irreversible damage or death.
Advertisements
“Too many times we see pets left in hot cars as their owner runs an errand,” Schreiber said. “You may think you are being quick but it doesn’t take long for the inside of the car to reach over 100 degrees, even with the windows cracked. This legislation is aimed at protecting pets and preventing a tragedy.”
The Humane Society is backing the Pennsylvania legislation, according to officials.
“Pennsylvanians value their pets as family members, yet some mistakenly believe an animal can be comfortable or safe left unattended in a vehicle. This act will raise awareness of the dangers of leaving pets in parked cars and prevent needless suffering,” Kristen Tullo, Pennsylvania director of the Humane Society of the United States, said.
Advertisements
“The Motor Vehicle Extreme Heat Protection Act is mostly based off the California legislation, as it is vital to grant police officers and public safety personnel greater authority to act to save a dog or cat in distress if necessary. It is against the law to leave a child in a hot car, so it should also be illegal to confine a dog or cat in a hot car, as animals deteriorate faster than humans when exposed to extreme heat,” the lawmakers wrote in a House of Representatives memorandum in July.
Throughout the United States, 17 states currently have similar laws to protect animals left in hot vehicles.
