A bill design to protect pets left in unattended vehicles during hot weather made its way out of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives this week.
The Motor Vehicle Extreme Heat Protection Act (HB 1516) was voted forward this week and now moves to the Senate for consideration. Langhorne-based State Rep. Frank Farry authored the bill and introduced it last summer.
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The bill 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 bill states 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.
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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.
“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,” said Farry. “These deaths are tragic and entirely preventable.”
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Throughout the United States, 17 states currently have similar laws to protect animals left in hot vehicles.
