The Animals in Distress Law

To quote Buster Poindexter, we are "feeling hot, hot, hot." And if we humans are hot, our furry friends are definitely feeling it. The dog days of summer are officially here. And that heat is intensified inside cars left unattended. In 2018, the Animals in Distress law (Act 104) was passed and authorizes law enforcement officers, humane officers, animal control officers, and first responders to remove dogs and cats from unattended motor vehicles when the animal is deemed to be in imminent danger by any cause. For example, the law protects pets suffering effects from extreme temperatures (hot and cold,) dehydration due to lack of water, and collar or leash entanglement. The Animals in Distress law also gives law enforcement officers, humane officers, animal control officers, and first responders civil immunity from lawsuits if they must break into a vehicle to save a pet. Rescue officials must attempt to find the owner before breaking into a car, and they are required to leave a note explaining the situation. Below is an infographic from the Humane Society of the United States, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, and the Pennsylvania AAA Federation with good information on the law and temperature escalation. If you see an animal in distress in a vehicle, call 911 immediately.