Pets Left Alone in Cars: Dangerous and Illegal

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| Print | By Jo Singer | June 26, 2009 11:10 AM

Ahhh those lazy, hazy "daze of summer" are now upon us. The summer solstice, (the longest day of the year) arrived in the Northern Hemisphere on June 21, 2009 at 1:45 A.M. EDT, while in the UK on June 21, 2009 at 5:45 UT.

26-dog left in car.jpg And as the heat and humidity escalates into what can be oppressive for both humans and pets, it is essential to never leave a pet alone in a car, even with the windows "cracked". Depending on where you live, there are several states with laws about leaving pets unsupervised in cars under certain weather conditions, which may result in a hefty fine and or imprisonment.

In fact, in California the Penal Code reads, "No person shall leave or confine an animal in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of an animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability or death."

The 2006 California bill goes continues; "Moderately warm temperatures outside can quickly lead to deadly temperatures inside a closed car. For example, within one hour an outside temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit can cause unhealthful conditions inside a vehicle that can adversely affect the health, safety or well-being of an animal.

"With the vehicle windows left slightly open, an outside temperature of 85 degrees can cause a temperature of 102 degrees inside a vehicle within 10 minutes, and 120 degrees within half of an hour. A healthy pet, whose normal body temperature ranges from 101 to 102.5 degrees, can withstand a body temperature of 107 to 108 for only a short time before suffering brain damage or death."

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have shown that parked cars can heat just as quickly on mild days. "Even if the temperature is a relatively cool 72 degrees, the inside temperature of the car will reach 117 degrees within 60 minutes of turning the car off (and will top 108 degrees within 30 minutes!). Leaving the windows open 1.5 inches made no difference in the final temperature or the rate of rise. Cooling the car with an air conditioner before parking made no difference in the final temperature, but did delay the peak by 8 minutes.

On hot days, the rate of rise is the same, but dangerous temperatures can be reached within 5 minutes of closing the car doors, even if the windows are cracked. Overall, when the outside temperature was anywhere between 72 and 96 degrees, the inside temperature rose by an average of 32 degrees in the first 30 minutes."

In the state of California this crime may be punishable by a fine not to exceed $20,000, imprisonment in state prison, county jail, or both.

Massachusetts, Illinois and Idaho are a few of the states with similar laws on their books.
If the weather is hot and you find a pet left alone in a car, even with the windows cracked, this is considered to be an emergency. Call 911 and report the situation. You could be saving a pet's life. You can also help by spreading the word. Visit http://www.mydogiscool.com/ for more information and to obtain flyers for printing to be posted in your neighborhood.

What measures do you take to protect your pet when you leave your car? Please share your suggestions by leaving a comment.

RELATED TOPICS: Blogs (262) , Safety (15)

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Vicki June 26, 2009 2:00 PM

No matter if the weather is cold, or hot, I never leave any of my dogs in the car unattended, Even if I am with them, I always make sure they are comfortable. In winter, my short haired dogs always wear sweaters to help keep them warm. In the summer, they are clipped to help with the heat. But never are they left alone in a car.

Amy June 26, 2009 3:13 PM

It amazes me how some humans don't use logic when taking their dogs for "rides" to the grocery store or pick up a prescription. Oh sure " I will be in and out in a minute" is what you always think. Pets should be left home while running these little errands. I have a neighbor who took his dog to the store and the short time he was in there the little dog hung himself by his own leash because the window was open too far. This person went right out and got another dog, same breed and I do hope this will not happen again. People should be made to take special tests to see if they are informed enough to own a pet.

Diana June 26, 2009 3:38 PM

People leave their KIDS in cars, let alone dogs. Some people should not be allowed to be responsible for anything sentient!

jmuhj June 26, 2009 5:56 PM

As a loving and responsible person whose family includes felines, I know that indoors-only is the best life for cats; when we move, or we have to visit the veterinarian, they are in carriers, and NEVER left alone in a vehicle. It's good to know there is legislation on the books making it illegal to leave your cat (or other companion animal) in a vehicle unattended. I hope the law is strictly enforced, and anyone in violation given humane education!

Jessy June 27, 2009 10:59 AM

I live In Ill a city called Peoria.. and just this week when we was in the upper 90's with the heat index of over 100. the wal-mart store had 2 car's with animals.
1 had a cat.. and the other had 2 small young golden pup's the animal control was called out and had to break the window's as the young pup's was'nt re-sponsive and the owner to the car was'nt answering the store page..
I just DO'NT UNDERSTAND THE BRAINS THAT PEOPLE HAVE... DO THEY NOT GET IT WHEN THE TV SAYS TO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING OR ANYONE IN THE CAR FOR EVEN A MINT???? I just do'nt understand this world anymore.
I realy dont.. I'm sure that GOD is just crying when he see's the,there is NO word for what people do.. that he is just as ashamed of the world as i am.

carol June 28, 2009 6:56 PM

If I have to take my dog with me, i put a backpack on her containg icepaacks andd those frozen neckscarfs around her neck. She also has a special dog harness fasten withe seatbelt whenever she goes in the car. she knows which seat is hers to sit in and always sits there. I leave the ac running in the car aas much as I can, as I don't want anything to happen to her as she is very precious to me.