Source: https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-laws-protect-animals-left-parked-vehicles
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 16:43:08+00:00

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This table describes the laws that concern leaving a companion animal unattended in a parked vehicle. Approximately 28 states have laws that deal with animals left in unattended vehicles. 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. Under some state laws, law enforcement or other individuals are allowed to rescue animals left under extreme conditions.
Is it illegal to leave your dog in a parked car? The answer to this question, of course, depends on in the state in which you live. Actually, 28 states have laws that either prohibit leaving an animal in confined vehicle under dangerous conditions or provide civil immunity (protection from being sued) for a person who rescues a distressed animal from a vehicle.
Most laws provide that the animal must be confined or unattended in a parked or stationary vehicle. For a person to violate the law, the conditions in the motor vehicle 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 simply state that the conditions pose an imminent threat to the animal's health or safety.
States with such laws typically allow rescue of the animal from the vehicle. This may involve forcibly entering the motor vehicle to remove the trapped animal. The majority of states limit their "rescue" laws to law enforcement, firefighters, animal control, first responders, or authorized humane officers. Recently, about 12 states have enacted laws that allow any person to rescue a distressed animal (AZ, CA, CO, FL, IN, KS, MA, OH, OR, TN, VT, and WI). These laws functions to limit the civil or criminal liability of the person for damages resulting from the forcible entry of the vehicle. Indiana is the first and only state to require the person who forcibly enters a vehicle to rescue an animal to pay half the damages. West Virginia and New Jersey are the only states that criminalize the act of leaving a pet unattended under dangerous conditions without providing a rescue and immunity provision for anyone.
With these new rescue laws, most require would-be rescuers to follow a number of steps. For instance, these laws may require that people first ensure the vehicle is locked and forcible entry is the only means to retrieve the animal. The person may be required to first call 911 or local enforcement before entering the vehicle. The law may require that a note is left indicating the safe location of the animal and that the person remain on scene until law enforcement or other first responders arrive.
Penalties for leaving an animal unattended in a motor vehicle under dangerous conditions vary from state to state. A few states make it an immediate fine like other civil infractions. The rest of the states assign a misdemeanor penalty, with fines ranging from a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Some list possible jail time or imprisonment. New Hampshire makes a second conviction a felony offense.
While not all states have laws that address animals in parked vehicles, numerous local ordinances prohibit this, and more may be enacted. Even without a state or local law, this action could still constitute cruelty under some circumstances. In fact, in the Texas case of Lopez v. State, the defendant left his dog in his car on a hot day to go and watch a movie in a theater. He was ultimately convicted under the state's anti-cruelty law. Notably, Texas does not have a statute that specifically addresses dogs left in parked vehicles.
For the purposes of 12-558.02, "domestic animal" means a dog, a cat or another animal that is domesticated and kept as a household pet.
A peace officer, animal control enforcement agent or animal control enforcement deputy may use reasonable force to open a vehicle to rescue an animal.
the person does not use more force than is necessary under the circumstances to enter the motor vehicle and remove the domestic animal from the vehicle.
An animal 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 to the animal.
First conviction: fine not exceeding $100 per animal.
If the animal suffers great bodily injury, a fine not exceeding $500, imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding 6 months, or by both.
Any subsequent violation of this section, regardless of injury to the animal, punishable by a fine not exceeding $500, imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding six months, or by both.
A peace officer, firefighter, humane officer, animal control officer, or other emergency responder is authorized to take all steps that are reasonably necessary for the removal of an animal from a motor vehicle.
Must leave written notice bearing his or her name and office, and the address of the location where the animal can be claimed.
In 2016, changes were made to the law that allow any person to take reasonable steps necessary to remove an animal from a motor vehicle if the person holds a reasonable belief that the animal's safety is in immediate danger from heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal.
A new law (§ 43.100) effective on Jan. 1, 2017 states that there is no civil liability for property damage to a motor vehicle if the damage was caused by a person rescuing an animal under Section 597.7 of the Penal Code.
Delaware 11 Del.C. § 1325(b)(6) An animal (does not include fish, crustacea or molluska) Confining an animal unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in which the temperature is either so high or so low as to endanger the health or safety of the animal.
Issued a warning for a first offense.
Subsequent offenses are Class A Misdemeanors.
A law enforcement officer, animal control officer, animal cruelty investigator, or firefighter who has probable cause to believe that an animal is confined in a motor vehicle under conditions that are likely to cause suffering, injury, or death to the animal may use reasonable force to remove the animal left in the vehicle in violation of this provision.
A person removing an animal under this section shall use reasonable means to contact the owner. If the person is unable to contact the owner, the person may take the animal to an animal shelter and must leave written notice bearing his or her name and office, and the address of the location where the animal can be claimed.
Florida West's F. S. A. § 768.139 “Domestic animal” means a dog, cat, or other animal that is domesticated and may be kept as a household pet. The term does not include livestock or other farm animals.
Illinois 510 ILCS 70/7.1 Any animal Confine any animal in a motor vehicle in such a manner that places it in a life or health threatening situation by exposure to a prolonged period of extreme heat or cold, without proper ventilation or other protection from such heat or cold.
A person convicted of violating this Section is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.
A second or subsequent violation is a Class B misdemeanor.
An animal control officer, law enforcement officer, or Department investigator has authority to enter such motor vehicle by any reasonable means under the circumstances after making a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person responsible.
A person who forcibly enters a motor vehicle to remove a domestic animal from the motor vehicle is liable to the owner or lessee for one-half of the damage caused by the forcible entry (unless liability is waived).
The person is immune from other criminal and civil liability from the forcible entry.
(5) remains with the vulnerable person or domestic animal in a safe location, in reasonable proximity to the motor vehicle, until law enforcement or a first responder arrives.
Animal's safety, health or well-being appears to be in immediate danger from heat, cold or lack of adequate ventilation and the conditions could reasonably be expected to cause extreme suffering or death. While a penalty is not provided in the law, the owner may claim an animal removed from a vehicle only after payment of all charges that have accrued for the maintenance, care, medical treatment and impoundment of the animal.
A law enforcement officer, humane agent, animal control officer, firefighter, first responder, or licensed security guard may take all steps that are reasonably necessary to remove an animal from a motor vehicle if the animal's safety, health or well-being appears to be in immediate danger from heat, cold or lack of adequate ventilation and the conditions could reasonably be expected to cause extreme suffering or death.
Must leave written notice bearing the officer's or agent's name and office and the address of the location where the animal may be claimed.
Maryland MD Code, Transportation,§ 21-1004.1 Cat or dog Standing or parked motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the health or safety of the cat or dog.
Massachusetts M.G.L.A. 140 § 174F An animal A person shall not confine an animal in a motor vehicle in a manner that could reasonably be expected to threaten the health of the animal due to exposure to extreme heat or cold. Civil infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $150 for a first offense, by a fine of not more than $300 for a second offense and by a fine of not more than $500 for a third or subsequent offense.
An animal control officer, law enforcement officer or fire fighter who removes or otherwise retrieves an animal from a motor vehicle is immune from criminal or civil liability that might otherwise result from the removal.
remains with the animal in a safe location in reasonable proximity to the vehicle until law enforcement or another first responder arrives.
A person who removes an animal from a motor vehicle under these circumstances is immune from criminal or civil liability resulting from removal.
Unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the dog's or cat's health or safety.
Petty misdemeanor: a person who violates this subdivision is subject to a fine of $25.
A person removing a dog or a cat under this subdivision shall use reasonable means to contact the owner.
If the person is unable to contact the owner, the person may take the dog or cat to an animal shelter.
Nevada N.R.S. 574.195 Cat or dog Unattended in a parked or standing motor vehicle during a period of extreme heat or cold or in any other manner that endangers the health or safety of the cat or dog.
A cat or dog that is removed from a motor vehicle under the law is deemed to be an animal being treated cruelly for the purposes of NRS 574.055.
A person who violates a provision of subsection 1 is guilty of a misdemeanor.
The person who removed the cat or dog may take any action relating to the cat or dog specified in that section and is entitled to any lien or immunity from liability that is applicable pursuant to that section.
New Hampshire N.H. Rev. Stat. 644:8-aa "Animal" means a domestic animal, household pet, or wild animal held in captivity It shall be cruelty to confine an animal in a motor vehicle or other enclosed space in which the temperature is either so high or so low as to cause serious harm to the animal. Misdemeanor as set forth in RSA 644:8 (misdemeanor for a first offense, and of a class B felony for a second or subsequent offense). Any law enforcement officer or agent of a licensed humane organization may take action necessary to rescue a confined animal endangered by extreme temperatures, and to remove the threat of further serious harm.
New York NY Agri. & Mkts. § 353-d Companion animal Confined in motor vehicle in extreme heat or cold without proper ventilation or other protection where confinement places companion animal in imminent danger of death or serious injury due to exposure.
Police, peace officer, or peace officer acting as agent of humane society may take necessary steps to remove animal from vehicle.
Will not be civilly or criminally liable if actions taken in reasonably good faith.
As used in this section, the term “animal” includes every living vertebrate in the classes Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, and Mammalia except human beings.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to the transportation of horses, cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, or other livestock.
An animal that is confined in a motor vehicle under conditions that are likely to cause suffering, injury, or death to the animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or under other endangering conditions. Cruelty provisions may apply Any animal control officer, animal cruelty investigator appointed under G.S. 19A-45, law enforcement officer, firefighter, or rescue squad worker, who has probable cause to believe that an animal is confined in a motor vehicle under conditions that are likely to cause suffering, injury, or death to the animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or under other endangering conditions, may enter the motor vehicle by any reasonable means under the circumstances after making a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person responsible for the animal.
Unattended in a stationary or parked motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the animal's health or safety. Guilty of an infraction A law enforcement officer may use reasonable means to enter a motor vehicle and remove an animal left in violation of this section.
Immunity provision only in the law.
used not more force to enter the vehicle and remove the animal from the vehicle than was necessary under the circumstances.
remains with the animal in a safe location in reasonable proximity to the motor vehicle until law enforcement or owner arrives.
Rhode Island Gen. Laws, 1956, § 4-1-3.2 (1) “Animal” and “animals” means every living creature except a human being No owner or person shall confine any animal in a motor vehicle which is done in a manner that places the animal in a life threatening or extreme health threatening situation by exposing it to a prolonged period of extreme heat or cold, without proper ventilation or other protection from such heat or cold. Any person who knowingly violates this section shall be punished by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or by a fine of no more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.
In order to protect the health and safety of an animal, an animal control officer, law enforcement officer or fire fighter who has probable cause to believe that this section is being violated shall have the authority to enter such motor vehicle by any reasonable means necessary under the circumstances, after making a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other responsible person.
A law enforcement or animal control officer may take all steps that are reasonably necessary to remove an animal from a motor vehicle if the animal's health, safety, or wellbeing appears to be in immediate danger from heat, cold, or lack of adequate ventilation and the conditions could reasonably be expected to cause extreme suffering or death.
A law enforcement officer or animal control officer may enter the motor vehicle for the sole purpose of rescue or release of the animal and may not search the vehicle unless otherwise permitted by law.
A law enforcement or animal control officer who removes an animal from a motor vehicle pursuant to this section is immune from criminal or civil liability that might otherwise result from the removal.
South Dakota S D C L § 40-1-36 Cat, dog, or other small animal Unattended in a standing or parked vehicle in a manner that endangers the health or safety of such animal. None provided Reasonable force may be used to remove such animal by any peace officer or agent or officer of any humane society.
Tennessee T. C. A. § 29-34-209 Animal Cruelty provisions may apply. A person whose conduct conforms to the requirements of this Act shall be immune from civil liability for any damage resulting from the forcible entry of a motor vehicle for the purpose of removing a minor or an animal from the vehicle.
An animal Unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in a manner that would endanger the health or safety of the animal. Failure to comply with subsection (a) of this section is a violation of subdivision 352(3) of this title (guilty of cruelty with a sentence of imprisonment of not more than one year, or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both).
Any humane officer or member of a fire and rescue service may use reasonable force to remove any such animal from a motor vehicle.
uses no more force than necessary to enter the vehicle and remove the animal.
Virginia Va. Code Ann. § 3.2-6504.1 Companion animal No law-enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical services personnel, or animal control officer who in good faith forcibly enters a motor vehicle in order to remove an unattended companion animal that is at risk of serious bodily injury or death shall be liable for any property damage to the vehicle entered or injury to the animal resulting from such forcible entry and removal of the animal, unless such property damage or injury results from gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
Washington RCWA 16.52.340 Any animal Leave or confine any animal unattended in a motor vehicle or enclosed space if the animal could be harmed or killed by exposure to excessive heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or lack of necessary water. Class 2 civil infraction An animal control officer or law enforcement officer who reasonably believes that an animal is suffering or is likely to suffer harm from exposure to excessive heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or lack of necessary water is authorized to enter a vehicle or enclosed space to remove an animal by any means reasonable under the circumstances if no other person is present in the immediate area who has access to the vehicle or enclosed space and who will immediately remove the animal.

References: v. 
 § 1325
 § 768
 § 174
 § 353
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 § 40
 § 29
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