New House Bill To Rescue Pets Locked Inside Cars

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Most pet lovers would agree that leaving your pet inside a locked car, even with the windows slightly ajar, isn't a good idea, especially if you live in the South. Here in Texas, where Summer and even Springtime temperatures can soar into the triple digits, it's never a good thing.



Pets In Hot Cars

 Temperatures inside a parked car can soar near 200 degrees very quickly. Pets cannot adapt to those temperatures, even if they've got water and a cracked window. So what are people thinking? Or are they just not thinking?

A bill has recently been proposed in the House that would make it a crime to leave pets in a car, whether in hot or cold conditions.

The bill would give law enforcement officials the authority to take action to save them. This could include entry into your vehicle. And, it would slap a Class 2 misdemeanor or Class 1 misdemeanor charge on you depending on whether your negligence causes serious injury or death to the pet. Currently, emergency responders can do little to save a pet in distress because they do not have legal authority to break a window or take other actions to reach the pet if you are not in the car. Lawmakers hope the proposed bill would save animals which die in these conditions every year.

What do you think? Would you leave your pet inside your classic car, even for a few minutes while you run into the convenience store? Let us know your thoughts and please take a moment to read up on how to travel safely with your pets!

REFERENCE:
humanesociety.org - Traveling By Car With Pets
peta.com - Dogs In Hot Cars
weather.com - Your Car Is An Oven - Dogs In Cars
WRAL.com - House Bill Would Allow Rescue Of Pets In Hot Cars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.