MONTROSE, Pa. (WBNG) — A piece of legislation that was signed nearly six years ago by Pennsylvania’s former governor is now being enforced. The legislation is called the “Motor Vehicle Extreme Heat Protection Act” better known as the “Hot Car Bill.”
Former Gov. Tom Wolf signed the bill in Oct. 2018, and it went into effect in Dec. 2018. It allows law enforcement or emergency personnel to break into a person’s car if they see a pet in distress due to the heat. The law states the officers “must have a good-faith and reasonable belief that the dog or cat is in imminent danger if not immediately removed.”
“I can’t even imagine leaving [my pet] in a car for more than a minute, let alone any more than that,” said pet owner Cam Wright.
According to the bill, it protects emergency crews and law enforcement officers from any liability for breaking into the cars. However, it does not give citizens the authority to do the same.
“Ideally, we would say don’t leave your pet in the car at all,” said Animal Welfare Center Employee Jessica Lexus. “After [about} five minutes is when heat exhaustion can set in.”
The Animal Welfare Center said signs of heat stroke include constant panting, lying down and a lack of interest in passersby.
“I don’t like seeing dogs left in cars no matter what the temperature is,” said Animal Cruelty Officer Cpl. Michael Spada.
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