Thursday, August 12, 2021
Days Like These Remind Us That It's Too Hot for Spot
The Animal Rescue League of Boston has an annual safety program called “Too Hot for Spot” that reminds people about the risks of leaving an animal in a hot car.
Pets can't cool themselves they way that we do and even with the windows cracked open temperatures inside a car car skyrocket in only a few minutes. Let's work together to keep pets safe and healthy.
A law that I sponsored helps first responders take action to help animals that are in imminent danger or distress. If you see a confined animal and can't locate the owner, contact the local Police Department. Recently, there have been reports of instances of civilians taking action on their own.
Here, from the state General Laws ( Chapter 140 Section 174F), are the actual parameters that must be followed: After making reasonable efforts to locate a motor vehicle's owner, a person other than an animal control officer, law enforcement officer or fire fighter shall not enter a motor vehicle to remove an animal to protect the health and safety of that animal in immediate danger unless the person:
(i) notifies law enforcement or calls 911 before entering the vehicle;
(ii) determines that the motor vehicle is locked or there is no other reasonable means for exit and uses not more force than reasonably necessary to enter the motor vehicle and remove the animal;
(iii) has a good faith and reasonable belief, based upon known circumstances, that entry into the vehicle is reasonably necessary to prevent imminent danger or harm to the animal; and
(iv) remains with the animal in a safe location in reasonable proximity to the vehicle until law enforcement or another first responder arrives.
