Is Leaving a Dog in a Hot Car a Crime?
Rocky Kanaka
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Content Warning: Animal Abuse, Death: Three pugs were discovered locked in a hot car in the parking lot of a Las Vegas Walmart.
The three pugs were visibly in distress, with one, in particular, exhibiting severe signs of hyperthermia (overheating). Passersby called the local police who responded to the scene. The police wedged the windows open to access the inside and were able to reach in through the windows to unlock the vehicle.
Two of the three pugs were sitting together in the passenger seat, both panting excessively and struggling to move. One of the two appeared to be experiencing neurological symptoms and was in extreme distress even as it was removed from the car.
The owner of the car and the three dogs had chosen to leave her pugs locked in the hot car while she shopped at Walmart. The 62-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and charged with a misdemeanor.
Content Warning: Animal Abuse. This video is extremely disturbing and may induce sadness and anxiety.
Thanks to the good samaritans who stopped to call for help, these dogs didn’t have to die alone in a sweltering car. Unfortunately, one of the three pugs had to be euthanized due to the severity of its heat exhaustion, exhibiting just how dangerous leaving a dog in the car can really be.
Is Leaving a Dog in a Hot Car a Crime?
Yes, in some states, leaving a dog in a hot car is a crime. 31 states have specific laws pertaining to pets abandoned in motor vehicles in extreme temperatures. Some punish individuals who endanger their pets, while others grant immunity to individuals who may break laws (i.e. breaking into a car) to intervene when they see a dog in distress.
In those states that specifically prohibit leaving a dog in a hot car, the law also covers other dangerous conditions like extreme cold. Remember, the word “extreme” here doesn’t mean it has to be -40 or 110 degrees. We’ll cover what temperatures are safe and unsafe a little later, but keep in mind that “extreme” and “dangerous” conditions are not uncommon.
It’s important to know your local laws in the event that you see a dog locked in a hot or cold car. Knowing whether you can call the police or do something yourself can help you to make the fastest, most efficient decision and possibly save the dog’s life.
So, is it illegal to leave a dog in a car in California? What about West Virginia?
Leaving A Dog In A Car Unattended: The Laws, State by State
| State | What’s Prohibited? | Who Can Help? | Criminal Penalty |
| Alabama | No specific laws | No one | None |
| Alaska | No specific laws | No one | None |
| Arizona | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agent, or Animal Control | Class 1 Misdemeanor |
| Arkansas | No specific laws | No one | None |
| California | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Any person who has 1) a belief that forcible entry is necessary, 2) contacted 911, 3) turns the animal over to emergency responders | $100-$500 fine, up to 6 months in county jail |
| Colorado | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely *Note: This law only offers immunity to good samaritans, but does not outline regulations for the owner of the car/dog | Any person who has 1) a belief that forcible entry is necessary, 2) contacted 911, 3) turns the animal over to emergency responders | Determined by local municipality |
| Connecticut | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely *Note: This law only offers immunity to good samaritans, but does not outline regulations for the owner of the car/dog | Any person who has 1) a belief that forcible entry is necessary, 2) contacted 911, 3) turns the animal over to emergency responders | Determined by local municipality |
| Delaware | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agent, or Animal Control | Class A Misdemeanor |
| Florida | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely *Note: This law only offers immunity to good samaritans, but does not outline regulations for the owner of the car/dog | Any person who has 1) a belief that forcible entry is necessary, 2) contacted 911, 3) turns the animal over to emergency responders | Determined by local municipality |
| Georgia | No specific laws | No one | None |
| Hawaii | No specific laws | No one | None |
| Idaho | No specific laws. *Note: some individuals may be charged with committing cruelty to animals, but this is a case-by-case basis and not a guarantee | Police, Humane Agent, or Animal Control, sometimes | None |
| Illinois | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Police, Animal Control, or Humane Agent | Class C or Class B Misdemeanor |
| Indiana | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely *Note: This law only offers immunity to good samaritans, but does not outline regulations for the owner of the car/dog | Any person who has 1) a belief that forcible entry is necessary, 2) contacted 911, 3) turns the animal over to emergency responders | None |
| Iowa | No specific laws | No one | None |
| Kansas | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely *Note: This law only offers immunity to good samaritans, but does not outline regulations for the owner of the car/dog | Any person who has 1) a belief that forcible entry is necessary, 2) contacted 911, 3) turns the animal over to emergency responders | None |
| Kentucky | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely *Note: This law only offers immunity to good samaritans, but does not outline regulations for the owner of the car/dog | Any person who has 1) a belief that forcible entry is necessary, 2) contacted 911, 3) turns the animal over to emergency responders | None |
| Louisiana | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely *Note: This law only offers immunity to good samaritans, but does not outline regulations for the owner of the car/dog | Any person who has 1) a belief that forcible entry is necessary, 2) contacted 911, 3) turns the animal over to emergency responders | None |
| Maine | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Police, Fire Fighters, Animal Control, Humane Agent, or Licensed Security Guard | Pay impound fees for animal |
| Maryland | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agent, or Animal Control | $70 fine |
| Massachusetts | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Any person who has 1) a belief that forcible entry is necessary, 2) contacted 911, 3) turns the animal over to emergency responders | $150-$500 fine |
| Michigan | No specific laws. *Note: some individuals may be charged with committing cruelty to animals, but this is a case-by-case basis and not a guarantee | Police, Humane Agent, or Animal Control, sometimes | None |
| Minnesota | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agent, or Animal Control | Petty Misdemeanor and $25 fine |
| Mississippi | No specific laws. *Note: some individuals may be charged with committing cruelty to animals, but this is a case-by-case basis and not a guarantee | Police, Humane Agent, or Animal Control, sometimes | None |
| Missouri | No specific laws | No one | None |
| Montana | No specific laws | No one | None |
| Nebraska | No specific laws. *Note: some individuals may be charged with committing cruelty to animals, but this is a case-by-case basis and not a guarantee | Police, Humane Agent, or Animal Control, sometimes | None |
| Nevada | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agent, Animal Control, or Search and Rescue | Misdemeanor |
| New Hampshire | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agent, Animal Control | Misdemeanor or Class B Felony |
| New Jersey | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agent, Animal Control | $500 – $2,000 fine |
| New Mexico | No specific laws | No one | None |
| New York | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agent, Animal Control | $50 – $250 fine |
| North Carolina | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agent, Animal Control | None |
| North Dakota | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Police | Infraction |
| Ohio | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely *Note: This law only offers immunity to good samaritans, but does not outline regulations for the owner of the car/dog | Any person who has 1) a belief that forcible entry is necessary, 2) contacted 911, 3) turns the animal over to emergency responders | None |
| Oklahoma | Municipal laws – check your local ordinance | Police, sometimes | None |
| Oregon | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely *Note: This law only offers immunity to good samaritans, but does not outline regulations for the owner of the car/dog | Any person who has 1) a belief that forcible entry is necessary, 2) contacted 911, 3) turns the animal over to emergency responders | None |
| Pennsylvania | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely *Note: This law only offers immunity to good samaritans, but does not outline regulations for the owner of the car/dog | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agents, or Animal Control | None |
| Rhode Island | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agents, or Animal Control | Up to 1 year of imprisonment and/or up to $1,000 fine |
| South Carolina | No specific laws | No one | None |
| South Dakota | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agent, or Animal Control | None |
| Tennessee | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely *Note: This law only offers immunity to good samaritans, but does not outline regulations for the owner of the car/dog | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agents, or Animal Control | None |
| Texas | No specific laws. *Note: some individuals may be charged with committing cruelty to animals, but this is a case-by-case basis and not a guarantee | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agent, or Animal Control, sometimes | Up to $4,000 fine |
| Utah | No specific laws | No one | None |
| Vermont | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agent, or Animal Control | Up to 1 year of imprisonment and/or up to $2,000 fine |
| Virginia | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely *Note: This law only offers immunity to good samaritans, but does not outline regulations for the owner of the car/dog | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agents, or Animal Control | None |
| Washington | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agent, or Animal Control | Class 2 Civil Infraction |
| West Virginia | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely | No one | Up to 6 months of jail time and/or $300 – $2,000 fine |
| Wisconsin | Animals unattended and confined a car where injury, suffering, or death is likely *Note: This law only offers immunity to good samaritans, but does not outline regulations for the owner of the car/dog | Any person who has 1) a belief that forcible entry is necessary, 2) contacted 911, 3) turns the animal over to emergency responders | None |
| Wyoming | No specific laws. *Note: some individuals may be charged with committing cruelty to animals, but this is a case-by-case basis and not a guarantee | Police, Fire Fighters, Humane Agent, or Animal Control, sometimes | None |
*This list does not include Washington D.C., but it is worth noting that it does not have any specific laws pertaining to this issue.
FAQ
Beyond the specific laws pertaining to animals confined in hot or cold cars, people have plenty of questions about what to do in these situations. Here are just a few of the most frequently asked questions:
What Is a Safe Temperature To Leave a Dog in the Car?
It is extremely important to never leave your dog unattended in a car for more than 10 minutes, even in the perfect conditions. If you need to leave your dog unattended, it should be left at home. In unavoidable circumstances or for quick trips into the coffee shop to pick up your morning Joe, dogs can be briefly left alone in temperatures between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperatures below 40 degrees and above 70 degrees can quickly become dangerous, so you should never leave your dog in a car in these conditions, even for 5 minutes.
Can You Leave a Dog in the Car By Itself?
Some dogs cannot safely be left in a car unattended, no matter the temperature. Dogs with anxiety, destructive tendencies, or disabilities should never be left unattended in a car. Similarly, puppies and senior dogs should never be unattended in a motor vehicle. If your dog has lots of experience in the car, and is comfortable being left for brief periods of time, it may be safe to leave your dog for 5 minutes in good conditions.
How Long Can You Leave an Animal in the Car?
Live animals should ideally never be left alone in a car. If you absolutely need to leave them unattended, your pet should not be alone for more than 5-10 minutes. For smaller animals, the time limit is shorter. Best practice is to never leave animals in the car by themselves.
What Should You Do If You See a Dog Alone in a Car?
If you see a dog alone in a car, you should follow these steps.
- Check the temperature. If it is below 40 degrees or above 70, take a closer look at the dog.
- Examine the condition of the dog. Does it look distressed, is it panting, can you tell how long it has been alone?
- If temperatures are dangerous, check your state’s laws regarding rescuing dogs in cars.
- Call 911. The dispatcher will be able to help you determine whether you should wait for law enforcement or try to rescue the dog yourself.
How many dogs die in hot cars each year
According to one source, between 2018-2019, 78 pets suffered heatstroke and died in a hot car.
Another source states that between 1,800 and 2,000 dogs are lost annually due to car-related heat stroke.
Dogs with broad, short skulls (also known as brachycephalic breeds) are especially susceptible to heatstroke. Pugs and bulldogs are more likely to die while trapped in a hot car.
It’s important to never leave a dog alone in a car, even with the windows cracked. Studies have shown that cracking a window changes the temperature inside the car very little and it can still heat up to dangerous levels in just minutes, putting your dog at risk of heatstrokeThe number of dogs who die in hot cars is likely much higher, as many cases go unreported.
The NHTSA defines a hot car as any car where the temperature inside the car is above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a car can quickly reach 100 degrees or more in just minutes.
Dogs can’t sweat like humans, so they rely on panting to cool down. However, if the temperature inside a car gets too high, panting won’t be enough to keep a dog cool. This can lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal.
is it legal to leave dog in car with windows open
You should never leave a dog alone in the car, even with the windows cracked. In some states, it is even illegal. Studies have shown that cracking windows does not make it safe on a hot day, and the difference in temperature is insignificant when the car is stationary.
The issue is so important that 31 states have various laws restricting people from leaving their pets unattended in vehicles.
Some laws ban the practice outright, while others protect law enforcement officers and citizens if they break into cars to rescue pets.
Dog left in car law california
Leaving a dog in a car in California is not illegal, but it is against the law to leave a dog in a vehicle where conditions could put them in danger or harm their health.
Violating this law could result in a fine of up to $500, potential jail time, or both.
In 2016, rescue provisions were added that allow a person to remove an animal in danger from a vehicle provided they meet several criteria listed in the law.
According to California Penal Code 597.7 PC, the following conditions may endanger an animal:
-excessive heat
-excessive cold
-lack of adequate ventilation
-lack of food or water
-and other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal
How long can you leave a dog in a car with windows open?
It is not recommended to leave a dog alone in a car, even with the windows open. Studies have shown that cracking windows does not make it safe on a hot day, and the difference in temperature is insignificant when the car is stationary. The temperature inside a car can rise quickly and become dangerous for a dog, even on a mild day. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and not leave your dog alone in the car.
