Bill Makes Locking Pets in Car Illegal

The thermometer has finally signaled that spring is here, and judging from history, summer-like temperatures aren't that far off.

With milder temperatures still prevalent, it is common to see parked cars with windows cracked and a barking dog inside.

But make no mistake — it is a very bad idea to leave a pet locked in a car. Even outdoor temperatures in the 70s can be a threat to animals. As the weather gets warmer, even short-term exposure to intense heat can be fatal to the animal.

A group of state lawmakers in North Carolina wants to make sure people understand that danger and have introduced a bill making it a misdemeanor to leave a pet in a car on hot or perilously cold days, or to leave the pet without food and water for a period of time. We can only hope the bill moves to other states as well.

The bill, whose primary sponsor is a Democrat but which has co-sponsors from both parties, also would authorize law enforcement officials to break into a locked car if necessary to rescue an animal in distress.

The bill has been hailed by animal lovers, some of whom have no doubt seen panting dogs sitting in a car with the windows cracked on a hot summer day.

Most people who take their dogs everywhere truly love their pets but may not realize that after even a few minutes a car can heat up beyond what an animal can tolerate.

It should go without saying — how does it feel to you when you get into a car on a summer day? — but unfortunately many people either are not aware of or choose to ignore the dangers.

The bill, which is now assigned to a judiciary committee, would give law enforcement officers the power to take action if necessary to save the life of a helpless animal.

Too often good-hearted bystanders call the police but are frustrated when the officer cannot break into the car to remove the endangered animal.

At best, the proposed law could change pet owners' behavior for the better; at worst, it might save a few pets from illness — or death.

REPRINTED FROM THE NEW BERN SUN JOURNAL

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