You could go to jail. What – playing Monopoly? No, leaving your dog in your car unattended! We’ve all heard the warnings about leaving a dog in a car during hot weather. We’ve also been encouraged to never leave a dog alone in a car under any circumstances – but this presents a problem. Pet owners and professional handlers are constantly transporting dogs in both cars and trucks, during hot and cold weather. Furthermore, these animals, of necessity, are frequently left unattended. Before you gasp in horror, ask yourself if you’ve ever been the guilty one. Almost everyone has left their dog unattended in a vehicle for at least a short time. Occasionally, it can’t be avoided. However, owners should be aware; there are thirteen states that specify heavy fines, imprisonment and loss of dogs if they are left unattended in a vehicle. These laws allow authorities, for example, animal control officers and humane officers, to break into the owner’s car on their own initiative - if they believe a dog is endangered. In addition, there is no requirement to contact law enforcement agencies before taking action. Add all this to the general public perception that no dog should ever be left unattended in a car for any reason – and you’ve got a problem! The problem or concern is that overly-motivated authorities might, unjustifiably take action, smash car windows and cause considerable damage.
It is important to recognize the application of these laws is subject to certain conditions. The California Penal Code illustrates this point – http://www.theanimalcouncil.com/ CA PENAL CODE SECTION 597.pdf. It refers to “. . . conditions that endanger the health or well-being of an animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability or death to the animal. So . . . pet owners transporting dogs in cars or trucks when it may be necessary to leave them unattended should ensure they meet the conditions by taking the following precautions.
• Purchase a thermometer and, prior to traveling, monitor the temperature both inside and outside the vehicle. This will provide information regarding the temperature differential that can be expected under various environmental conditions. In warm weather, try to maintain the inside temperature no more than a few degrees above the outside temperature.
• During warm weather, use sun reflectors on front and side windows, always park the vehicle in a shaded area, open the side windows a couple of inches, and, if present, completely open the sun roof window. This arrangement will prevent build-up and retention of heat in the car interior. Some dog owners purchase small, battery-powered fans to circulate air inside the car or position on the vehicle roof over the sunroof-window opening. These fans can be operated on the power provided by the car cigarette lighter outlet.
• Transport the dog in a crate and ensure the crate is fitted with a bowl containing water.
• In hot weather, never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle with all the windows closed. Leave the side windows and/or tailgate open to provide adequate ventilation.
Remember, you need not worry, providing the conditions in your vehicle are adequate for the health and safety of your dog and meet the conditions of the law. If conditions in the vehicle do not meet the requirements of the law, you will be subject to prosecution. In the State of California a first conviction is punishable by a fine not exceeding $100.00 per animal. If the animal suffers great bodily injury, the punishment is a fine not exceeding $500.00 and/or imprisonment in a county jail for a period not exceeding six months. Finally, the thirteen states that currently have laws specifically addressing “confinement of pets in unattended motor vehicles” are: AZ, CA, IL, ME, MD, MN, NV, NH, NJ, SD, VT and WV.
For more information go to:
http://www.animallaw.info/articles/qvuspetsincars.hm/
We all love our dogs, so let’s keep them safe.
