Pets in Cars
Hot Dog! Is it ever hot outside? As we continue to BLAZE through the summer season, I thought this would be an excellent time to talk about an issue that really gets me HEATED! Animals left unoccupied in a hot vehicle. As an animal lover and pet owner myself, let’s see how many of my own pets’ names I can squeeze into #traffictiptuesday this week.
Let’s start with a quick discussion of how dangerous it is for an animal to be left in a hot car. Any time your vehicle is parked, and the air conditioning is turned off, the temperature in your vehicle will rise QUICKLY. On an 85° day it only takes about 20 minutes for the inside of your car will reach a temperature of 102°. Within thirty minutes, the temperature will soar to 120°. Leaving the window cracked or parking in the shade do very little to protect poor Fluffy from the scorching heat. Pets can overheat very quickly even in the best of conditions. Leaving them in a hot car only makes things worse.
Not only is it terribly inhumane to let your let little Snoop bake in a hot car, but it is also illegal. Harford County Code states” No person shall leave any animal unattended in a motor vehicle when the temperature outside exceeds 70 degrees Fahrenheit, except the Sheriff, a Police K-9 Officer, or within any vehicle equipped with a safety climate control system designed for animal transport.” Violations of this section of the county code will lead to a civil penalty of up to $500.00 per animal.
Additionally, if you DO make the terrible decision to leave little Bruno cooking in your car, Maryland law allows any of the following people to take “reasonable” action to free your animal from your four-wheeled furnace:
- A law enforcement officer
- A local or state public safety employee
- Any local or state animal control officer
- An officer of prevention of cruelty to animals authorized to make arrests
- A volunteer or professional of a fire and rescue service
If you are out and about and notice an animal locked in a vehicle alone, you should call 911 immediately.
As always, if you have a question or concern, please leave it in the comments below. Also, if you have a specific concern with unsafe driving in your area, such as speeding, drag racing, etc., give us a call, send an email, or reach out on social media. Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely.
HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org
@hcsotrafficsgt on Instagram