Dog and Cat Rescue Act Would Allow First Responders To Save Animals From Cars
By Hayden Seder
Dogs and cats left unattended inside hot vehicles may soon have one less obstacle preventing their rescue, thanks to a recent vote by state lawmakers allowing the so-called “Hot Dog” bill to move forward. On Jan. 31, the Idaho State Legislature voted to send Bill #79—the Dog and Cat Rescue Act—to the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee. If approved there, it will then move to the full floor in a matter of weeks.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Elaine Smith (D-Pocatello), would protect first responders from civil liability and criminal prosecution for rescuing dogs and cats from extreme weather if left unattended in a vehicle.
“Police, fire, and emergency medical personnel have protections when saving us; they should have those same protections when saving pets who are vulnerable and can’t save themselves,” said Smith.
Already, 28 other states, including Nevada, Washington and Oregon, have laws protecting animals or first responders saving them. According to PETA [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals], 56 dogs and other animal companions have died this year from being left alone inside a car during extreme heat. But most incidents go unreported, the organization states.
“I’m very supportive of the bill, especially in our communities where we value and love our furry family members,” said Rep. Muffy Davis (D-Ketchum), who co-signed on the bill. “It’s really important to know that if our pets are ever in a bad situation, first responders or law enforcement can make sure they’re protected.”
The bill failed on its first time through the legislature because it was considered too broad. This new bill refers only to dogs and cats. Should the bill pass, Davis said they could amend the bill later to include other animals like livestock and other facilities like barns or sheds.
“Let’s get the bill through first,” Davis said. “The bill seems to have good support. It’s very popular. I heard in a committee that Idaho is the number one state for dog ownership; we all value and love our dogs.”
“It’s time Idaho catch up when protecting our furry friends,” Smith said. “It is alarming how many pets are still left unattended in vehicles. It is even more unfortunate when those dogs and cats die. Protecting our first responders from civil liability and prosecution encourages them to act and prevent further deaths.”
Most experts say an animal inside an extremely hot car can die in as little as 6 minutes and that 70 degrees is the temperature at which pet owners should not leave their animal unattended. When temperatures outside range from 80 to 100 degrees, the temperature inside a parked car in sunlight can reach 130 to 172 degrees, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns.
If you see an unattended animal struggling inside a hot vehicle, you can have the owner paged in the nearest buildings, or call humane authorities or police.
To comment on Bill #79, you may contact your local representatives, Muffy Davis, Sally Toone and Michelle Stennett.