Pa. Bill Would Punish Those Who Leave Their Pets In Hot Cars

By JASON LADAY (Patch Staff)

A new bill in Harrisburg would wield fines of up to $300 toward pet owners who leave their dogs and cats in hot cars, according to ABC27 News.

Specifically, the bill would outlaw the confinement of a dog or car in an unattended vehicle under conditions that jeopardize the pet’s health, the report said.

The bill (Senate Bill 977) is being introduced in the state Legislature by Sen. Rob Teplitz (D-Dauphin/Perry). The House version (Bill 1516) will be submitted by Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks) and Rep. Kevin Schreiber (D-York).

According to the ASPCA, thousands of pets die each year due to heatstroke and suffocation when left in hot parked cars.

“On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 160 degrees, even with the windows cracked,” read a previous statement from the group’s national website, adding that it only takes a few minutes for pets to “face death” in such conditions.

According to ABC27, the bill would allow police and human officers, following a “reasonable” search for the owner, to physically remove the dog or cat from the vehicle if they believe the animal’s health is in danger. The officer would them to a veterinary hospital or animal clinic for care, leaving a note on the vehicle regarding where they can be picked up by the owner.

In addition, the officer would not be held liable for damages to the vehicle.

Currently, there are 17 states with laws protecting pets in parked cars.