Dog Law

Is it legal to leave your dog in a parked car?

 

Currently 13 states have statutes that relate to leaving an animal confined in a vehicle.  An important factor to the statues is the condition under which the animal is left in the vehicle.  In order for a person to violate the law, most of the statues provide that first, an animal is confined or unattended in a parked or stationary vehicle.  Further, the conditions 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 are more vague and just require that the conditions are such that physical injury or death is likely to result.

 

In any case, the laws do not affect the transport of an animal in a vehicle or a vehicle operator from leaving an animal unattended inside a vehicle. The line is crossed when the animal is placed in obvious danger. The laws are design to protect the “condition” of the animal and to allow a means for the prevention “awareness” of the possible dangers and a means for prosecution in cases of blatant disregard for the care of an animal.

 

In recent times we have even seen working law enforcement professionals charged with violations in accordance to their states laws related to the death of their canine partner. A quick Google search will confirm this point.  Obviously, these handlers were professionals which would not likely harm their partner intentionally. Typically the actual charges  focus on the element of neglect leading to the harm of the animal.

 

Some of the prior information was extracted from a publication by Rebecca F. Wisch

Animal Legal & Historical Center

Publish Date: 2008

Place of Publication: Michigan State University College of Law

Sourced from http://www.animallaw.info/articles/qvuspetsincars.htm

 

States With Statues - AZ, CA, IL, ME, MD, MN, NV, NH, NJ, ND, SD, VT, WV

AZ - ST 13-2910

CA - PENAL 597.7

IL - 510 ILCS 70/7.1

ME - 7 MRSA 4019

MD - MD TRANS 21-1004.1

MN - MN ST 346.57

NV - NV ST 574.195

SD - SD ST 40-1-36

NJ - NJ ST 4:22 - 26

ND - ND ST 36-21.1-03.1

NH - NH ST 644:8-aa

VT - 13 V.S.A 386

WV - WV ST 61-8-19

The K9Caller can help you avoid putting your dog at risk when you travel. When utilized  properly the system will regulate, monitor, and report temperature levels inside your vehicle. The system should not be used as a means to allow long term “kenneling” of a dog in a vehicle. The system is an aide which will allow you to travel with your dog in your car and can help prevent heat related injury to your dog.