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

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by gracielove

I saw the very same thing not long ago when I was going into a store on a very hot day. Two little dogs panting. When I walked up to the car I realized it was running and the air conditioning was on. I thought how nice of these people were to let their car run while they were in a busy store. Especially with gas being the price it was at the time. Some dogs just want to go when their owners go and to sit in an air conditioned car and wait is better for them than having to stay home sometimes. I realized the dogs were not panting from heat but were playing in the back seat and watching people go by. I prefer to leave my baby at home where I know she is safe but these people at least did their best for their pets.

In my old car I had two keys, and would often bring Uni with us and leave her in the locked and running car with a/c on. When the car is running you can tell right away! It's kind of strange that woman A didn't realize the car was running. But yes, sometimes Uni cops a major attitude if she doesn't get to tag along. So if I can I will bring her, and if I have to she stays in the a/c on car. The a/c in the car is actually cooler than in the shop anyway.

[gracielove]

I can't read those stories either. I'd hate to think what I would do to that brainless fool. He should never be allowed to own an animal of any kind again. What kind of a fool forgets his dog is in the car?!

[cowgirlc]

I have no idea what the law is here in Texas, I am woman B, I have on several occasions done the same thing I keep a spare key if I have to tun in the store for a mater of minutes my car is running with the AC going and doors locked. My baby goes everywhere with me and most places he goes inside with me. If I know I am going where he cannot go and I am going to be more that 2-3 minutes he stays home.


Cynthia

[Ashley V]

Recently there was an article in our local newspaper about a man that was arrested for drunk in public. He went inside a local IHOP and passed out. He was arrested. He claims that he told police that his dog was in the car and the police ignored him. The police claim he didn't say anything. Anyways, the dog was found dead. Sad for the dog no matter who was at fault.

UPDATE: Sheriff says deputies didn’t know about dog | LoudounTimes.com

In the article it says that if it's more than 70 degrees outside or 80 degrees inside the vehicle that an officer can extract the animal of out the vehicle. It also says it is a class 3 misdemeanor to leave you animal in a hot vehicle.

[MollysMum54]

it's all very well saying the car engine was left running and the sir con left on, but what if the engine cuts out for some reason, or the sir con fails?
It takes such a short time for a hot car to kill a dog, i wouldn't want to risk it, even for 5 minutes.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by MollysMum54

it's all very well saying the car engine was left running and the sir con left on, but what if the engine cuts out for some reason, or the sir con fails?
It takes such a short time for a hot car to kill a dog, i wouldn't want to risk it, even for 5 minutes.

If my car were that faulty or unreliable, then yes I would not do it. But under normal circumstances of a well maintained car, how would it ever just cut off for no reason other than running out of gas? I have done it, and Uni was much happier she got to come with me and stay in the a/c car, rather than the house, which has NO a/c only ceiling fans.

[Baroness]

In San Antonio there have been several stories recently of people being arrested for leaving their pets in cars.

As for people who leave their dogs in cars with AC running. Has anyone ever sat in a car for an extended period of time with the AC running in a parking lot? Eventually the air will turn warm because of no acceleration. No brainer, don't take the animal if you cannot take it in.

[Sandysbabies]

Its pretty bad when we have to have laws telling you not to leave your dogs in a car when its hot outside. I think they should be fined to the helt and put in jail. (without air-conditioning) Are we living in a brainless world. I think so when people can't even comprehend what the outcome would be for a poor animal left like that. I bet they wouldn't sit in a hot car and wait on a friend or whoever to go shopping with no air conditioning. Then it would all make sense to these brainless wonders. ugh!!!!

[Princess10]

Where could I possibly find the law online? I've been looking for a while but came up with nothing. I'd just like to know my options if I witness it this summer. I've seen several dogs in cars when the temps were more neutral in spring, etc. I just said a quick prayer for them basically, as it wasn't too hot or too cold, so I didn't think I could do much else.

[gracielove]

Originally Posted by Baroness

In San Antonio there have been several stories recently of people being arrested for leaving their pets in cars.

As for people who leave their dogs in cars with AC running. Has anyone ever sat in a car for an extended period of time with the AC running in a parking lot? Eventually the air will turn warm because of no acceleration. No brainer, don't take the animal if you cannot take it in.

I agree. I leave my little one home where I know she is safe. Some dogs love to go for a ride in the car but over all it is safer just to leave them home. Too many dangers on the road and in the car in general. Dogs don't know any better but people should.
I don't think people are "brainless" but I do feel that people are so self centered and in their own little selfish worlds that they don't think of others around them.
I don't think you will find local laws online. Your going to have to call your local law enforcement or county officials to get the info you need.

[Jennxling]

I have actually asked the campus police before about this. He said that if it's shade or covered garage then it's fine with window popped open somewhat of course. Whenever I had to leave my babies in the car, it's always in garage parking or shade. Now, I never do it just because I'm afraid people will steal them. Plus, I have the option of leaving them home now. I didn't know that you can call the police though.

[KazzyK810]

While you may call the police, whether or not they show up, or even respond to such calls probably depends on your location. As it takes Flint police hours to show up for home invasions & shootings, I wouldn't expect a prompt response to a dog in a car.

[Ellie May]

We have good law enforcement here, but I also doubt a dog in a car is something they really care about. There are dogs in cars here all the time. It's very sad.

I used to leave Ellie alone in the car. Never again. Not worth it. She LOVES to go on rides, but it is not safe for her. If she can't go in, then she doesn't go or somebody waits in the car with her. As scary as hot weather is for dogs in cars, theft is a huge issue. We live in an okay area of the state (in fact, fairly safe) and it takes less than 3 minutes for somebody to spot a cell phone in a car window and break the window to steal it (then get out of site). There are dog theft issues in SE MI just like everywhere else in the US. So I don't think it would be unlikely for somebody to break a window to steal a Yorkie even if owner is gone for less than 5 minutes. I won't take the risk.

[DvlshAngel985]

I found this for Los Angeles:
Department of Animal Care & Control

It doesn't say anything about cars. It does have a rule against people breeding without a valid permit. I'll keep looking.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by Baroness

In San Antonio there have been several stories recently of people being arrested for leaving their pets in cars.

As for people who leave their dogs in cars with AC running. Has anyone ever sat in a car for an extended period of time with the AC running in a parking lot? Eventually the air will turn warm because of no acceleration. No brainer, don't take the animal if you cannot take it in.

Actually I have sat in a running car with the a/c on. It was in the middle of the summer on the way home from Las Vegas. Our car's tire valve was loose and leaking air. We waited in the running car for almost an hour waiting for AAA to show up. It did not get warm in the least. I think if your a/c eventually goes warm it needs to get looked at.

I take Uni with me many times bc when we are at the shop she gets so bored, and to leave the shop to pick something up and leave her here, she upset. She enjoys car rides, so why not?