Do you know your city's law about dogs in hot cars?

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Wow, that's a unique situation! I got into a confrontation w/ a guy who left his dog in Petsmart parking lot, of ALL places when you can just bring your pet in there. I was so pissed off. I should have just called cops right away and waited in my car to watch the dog. It's really too bad what happened to Woman A bc she had such spot on intentions. She just didn't realize that car was running. Poor gal. Hope it didn't stop her from acting in the future, ya know?

I agree. Maybe she was caught up in the moment and was so focused on the dog.

Why would anyone leave their dog in the car at a pet store? That is infuriating.

[Wylie's Mom]

Bumping my own thread.

[Ellie May]

No.We have good abuse laws in this county, but I don't know specifically about that or how they are enforced.

It's just one of those things that I would almost always overlook...or I'd be reporting my family.

[My lil friend]

Originally Posted by TWUladybug

I like the stance that Burleson, TX has taken. No animal can be left in a parked car for any reason no matter what the weather is outside.

I did not know that,that is great!

[gracielove]

I think many people just assume that there are no laws because it is not something that is published or spoken much about. Usually if an area does not have a humane society or some sort of animal rights group then no one hears about what the law is. I think though that most towns and cities have to have animal control laws on the books for their own protection and the protection of the citizens. I realize people who live way out and away from a town have to kind of deal with things themselves but the county they live in would also have animal control laws that they can call the county court house to find out about. There are laws but sometimes the police do not want to be bothered enforcing them. If that is the case then they need some reminding by your elected officials.

[Rachael1983]

dmv.org writes the following about leaving pets in cars in Georgia. Pets

There are no laws against leaving an unattended pet inside a vehicle. If you suspect a pet may be in danger, dial 911 and remain with vehicle in question until help arrives.

[KazzyK810]

"only 14 states (AZ, CA, IL, ME, MD, MN, NV, NH, NJ, NY, ND, SD, VT, and WV) have statutes that specifically prohibit leaving an animal in confined vehicle. The next factor important to the question is the condition under which the the animal is left in the vehicle. Most of these laws provide that the animal must be confined or unattended in a parked or stationary vehicle. Further, the laws add that in order for a person to violate the law, the conditions have to endanger the animal's life. Some of the statutes specifically state that extreme hot or cold temperatures, lack of adequate ventilation, or failing to provide proper food or drink meet this definition. Other laws are more vague and just require that the conditions are such that physical injury or death is likely to result."
Rebecca F. Wisch
Animal Legal & Historical Center
Publish Date: 2008 (updated 2010)
Place of Publication: Michigan State University College of Law

[gracielove]

You have to remember that state law is one thing but cities, towns and counties also have local laws. In the state I live in and the one next to it even some of the smallest counties have cruelty ordinances. Some are good and some are not but counties have had to address in one way or another the treatment of animals. Our county, which is quite rural, has statutes on the treatment of animals as well as a "humane shelter". We also have a privately owned shelter to make up for the failings of the county shelter. I have to say that people have a say in this. If nothing is being done then people need to get involved in local issues and get something done.

[TWUladybug]

Thought I would revive this since I got upset over the morning news. A K9 officer that started the program forgot that he had not boarded his bloodhound partner before heading home. Needless to say the dog passed away. Almost the entire state of Texas is in a severe drought and in triple digit heat. The officer is on desk duty pending an investigation of animal cruelty. This happened in the DFW area.

[Mom to Hot Rod]

Good discussion. One time I was at a local restaurant having lunch with my sister before she drove home. Well during this time a car had come in and parked with a dog in the back. I knew the waitress and told her that the people would have just come in with in a short time.

she asked the hostess and the manager went over to tell them that someone had seen the dog in the car and said something...I never did see who it was. The next thing I know that car was parked in somewhat shaded space. I was so mad that the person would have lunch in air conditioning while their dog sat in a hot car! That is what drive thrus are for.

At the time I didn't know what to do but I know better now and would not hesitate to take action of some sort. ugh!!

[My lil friend]

Originally Posted by TWUladybug

Thought I would revive this since I got upset over the morning news. A K9 officer that started the program forgot that he had not boarded his bloodhound partner before heading home. Needless to say the dog passed away. Almost the entire state of Texas is in a severe drought and in triple digit heat. The officer is on desk duty pending an investigation of animal cruelty. This happened in the DFW area.

Would you have a link to this story? This is very upsetting!

[TWUladybug]

North Texas police dog dies after left in hot squad car | wfaa.com Dallas - Fort Worth

Here is the URL to the story from this morning that made me revive the post!

[yorkietalkjilly]

Did you all hear about the K9 Officer Liberty who died Thursday I think it was in Greenville, Texas because her handler forgot and left her in the car apparently outside the station for 4 hours and then called to see if she was there? She was - dead of heat exhaustion. Such a great, great tragedy! It just was on Google News Friday, 7/1/11, and it talked like it happened the day before. I just cannot imagine letting that happen to any dog I had. How do you forget a living, breathing dog in a car???!!!!???!!! This wonderful and life-saving animal who gave her all to her job is now dead because of the very humans who were supposed to care and love and look after her! I couldn't post it yesterday as I could not go there. I was just this side of getting in my car and going to Greenville and screaming at every one I saw! It is so upsetting even now I am about to lose it. I would break out ANY window if ANY car I saw in the heat! If only someone had done that for Liberty!

[TWUladybug]

That is the dog the link is about.

[My lil friend]

Originally Posted by TWUladybug

North Texas police dog dies after left in hot squad car | wfaa.com Dallas - Fort Worth

Here is the URL to the story from this morning that made me revive the post!

Thank you for the link. I had DH find it for me too. I wont read it,I know all I need to know about this story. It would make me way to angry/sad and I cannt fix it. I can pray for justice for Liberty. This officer that swore an oath to protect and to serve will have to live with this for the rest of her life.