Kaitlyn’s Law now for pets

Posted August 17 2006 07:30 AM by Joel Arellano
Filed under: Miscellaneous, Mercury

This week the California state Assembly passed SB 1806, a bill that would penalize pet owners who leave their furry companions unattended in a hot vehicle.

The law is similar to the Unattended Child in Motor Vehicle Act or Kaitlyn's Law, named after the baby who died after her babysitter left the child in her car for more than two hours. States general manager Ed Boks of the L.A. Animal Services, ``California has always been on the cutting edge of protecting our pets. They are the voiceless members of our families.''

The penalty, like Kaitlyn’s Law, is a $100 fine. However, charges can escalate to $500 and jail time if the animal suffers “great bodily injury”.

SB 1806 will now go to the state Senate for final confirmation before being presented to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Source: Bill would outlaw leaving pets in a hot car via The Mercury News

COMMUNITY COMMENTS

Edward A. Sanchez (August 17 2006 07:58 AM)

When will it freakin' end? Are we going to protect everyone from their own stupidity? If people are too retarded to know not to leave their pet in a hot car, it's their own *** fault if their pet dies. I know that sounds harsh, but do we have to have a law for every friggin' stupid thing people do?

USDM_EVO (August 17 2006 10:19 AM)

I don't feel a need to protect people from their own stupidity. I do, however, feel a need to protect those upon whom stupidity is inflicted - human or otherwise. As a pet owner, I think the bill is a great idea.

JBKrang (August 21 2006 06:10 AM)

'bout time. Now we need to mandate plastig-bag laws for pet-litter removal.

breemwork (August 24 2006 08:57 AM)

I have a special place in my heart for my two rescue dogs, so I believe this is an important topic.

It is very important to get the word out there that like children, dogs should never be left in a hot car.

For more safety tips about taking your pets in your cars, go here:
http://askpatty.typepad.com/ask_patty_/2006/08/dogs_driving_ca.html

Breanne Boyle
eMarketing Manager
AskPatty.com
www.askpatty.com

David Salazar (September 27 2006 10:40 PM)

I have two dogs and I am curious what exactly the law forbids. If I leave my dogs in the car with the windows down and walk to the dry cleaners and back in five minutes, is that a violation? How hot is hot? If it is cold, is that OK?

While I believe in the spirit of the law, I feel that an over zealous cop could give me a ticket and I'd have to spend time in court arguing why I feel he is wrong.

What are the specifics?

David

joela (September 28 2006 05:56 PM)

David,

You can contact Edwin Garcia of Mercury News (his address is at the link) or contact the state government offices. They can give you the particulars.

duranimal (January 1 2007 05:36 PM)

David- this explains it further:

http://network.bestfriends.org/animallawcoalition/news/6860.html

"The new law, SB 1806, would bar owners and guardians from leaving animals unattended in a motor vehicle "under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of an animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal."

Peace officers, humane officers and animal control officers may remove animals found in such situations. The animals may then be taken to a veterinary clinic, shelter or other place for safekeeping. Owners or guardians will not be able to retrieve their animals until they pay for the costs of such care."

So basically, leaving the in the car on a balmy day while you run to the dry cleaner's shouldn't make you liable, and responsible pet owners who already used common sense won't be affected.

Joel Arellano (January 2 2007 10:11 AM)

thanks for the update, duranimal.

Balboa455 (May 29 2007 01:42 PM)

I sense some fear from other bloggers as to what constitutes too hot or cold to leave ones dog in the car. My dog LOVES to go on errands with me, but if I go outside for a moment I get a sense as to whether or not it would be a good idea to bring her along. Use some common sense. Would you be comfortable wearing a sweater and sitting in the car with no AC and the windows open? If not, leave your dog at home. They will get over it. I agree not all of our lives need to be over-legislated. But there are cruel people in this world who have little regard for the animal lives they are entrusted to care for. I recently adopted a 3 year old boxer with some behavior issues stemming from obvious abuses. I have never seen a dog so imbued with fear. Maybe this law will be the beginning of dogs starting to have some basic civil rights.

sarahsmile90 (September 8 2008 11:10 AM)

While I also think protecting our animals from the not so bright is important, policing this could be tricky.

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Kaitlyn’s Law now for pets

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