if you are a first time animal offender will the court take them?

Question

I love my dogs i spoil them giving them everything.I play with them rock them to sleep. Recently I took my dogs with me i went to fill out applications then we were going to go to the dog park. I left them in the car 4in down on each window. went into one store then left checked on my dogs went into store two. Came out my dogs were gone we had to go to animal haven to get them out. I was so worried about my babies.The officer explained it was to hot outside they should not have been left in the car that they could of died. I was so mad at myself, i was so happy they were ok.the officer brought them out to me they almost jumped out of her arms i grabbed them they filled my face with kisses i am so glad they are ok. I promised the officer this will never happen again. she gave me a ticket telling me i needed to go to court for the neglect. Will my babies get taken from me?

Answer 1

Probably not for something like that - just explain to the judge that you were stupid, you were, and that you are sorry, which you are. You should be fine, and I am glad your babies were as well.

Answer 2

I would say no. Not on a first time offense. Be sure to take ALL your vet records, any witness statements about your treatment of the animals, and any other pictures or video of their living conditions, and of the animals themselves.

I would also explain to the judge that you were ignorant and didnt realize the danger of leaving them in the car in that weather, you thought leavnig the car window cracked was enough. But you were wrong, and now you know better.

From now on always keep that sort of thing in mind. Try it for yourself once. Sit in the car with a coat on and the windows cracked for 10-15 minutes. you get hot, i promise. Dogs should NEVER be left in the car if the temp is over 70 degrees, the interior of the car heats up like an oven.

Dont stress too much, you'll be okay. Everyone makes mistakes.

Answer 3

I'm an animal lover too, so I can understand your pain. Each person knows his/her own animal well enough to know how long they can leave them in a car and how far the window must be rolled down. And as we all know for the most part dogs can stand their own. Dogs were around LOOOOONG before AC was invented. However, some passer-by probably thought they were doing a good deed by telling on you. In my opinion it's highly unlikely that they can or willl take your dogs away from you. After having watched Animal Planet for many years and seeing that show where they bust people who are cruel to animals, you can suprisingly get away with A LOT before your pets are taken away from you.
Hope that helps.

Answer 4

You didn't say how warm it was that day? If it was hot the dogs maybe were in distress.

It depends on where you live. In some places they can seize them if their water dish happens to run dry at the wrong moment or if they are not provided with appropriate toys.

I saw on Animal Planet one time where they were seizing dogs because they were left in a car. Animal control was wearing jackets but they were all worked up about the dogs, who looked very comfortable, not panting or distressed at all.

Animal control can take your dogs for any stupid reason. That isn't to say there aren't people whose dogs should be removed, but some ACOs are pretty out of control. In your case it just depends on how fanatical they are in your area.

Answer 5

Well, you have to admit that was stupid to do. I never take my dogs out unless it's to the pet store where they can go into also.

They can tell by looking at the dogs if they are fed and well cared for. You will pay the ticket and get a yelling at by the judge. I don't think they will take your dogs away as long as they are taken care of.....

Answer 6

Probably not...just don't be stupid anymore. Tell the judge what you told us. They're usually understanding. You may get a fine.

By the way, they have done studies showing that a 73 degree car can get up to 115 degrees in less than 20 minutes...even if it is only in the 90's outside.

Answer 7

You should be fine. You sound like a good person who loves your dogs. At the very most you might get a fine, but I doubt that will even happen. If you've had no problems with animal control before, it's probably just a warning.

Answer 8

It depends upon the court and the judge. Different people have different levels of tolerance. Judges are people, too. If you speak to people who work with animals...such as pounds, veterinary offices, etc..., they may be able to speak of any history they know of in such cases. However, it is important to realize that in communities in which an officer of the law has actually entered your private vehicle in order to 'rescue' your animals from potential harm, it could be for a reason beyond the officer's personal concern. It may surfice for you to appear and be advised of the dangers associated with leaving an animal in an enclosed vehicle. Sometimes the media gets involved in such cases; and, it serves as a message to hundreds or thousands of pet owners who may not realize the danger or risk (or may not consider it any of the court's concern) in leaving an animal in a vehicle.

With so many restrictions in commercial businesses that prohibit our 'taking them in with us', it is difficult to manage their wanting to go with us on a drive with such strict requirements of state and or local governments. I trust that you do not drive a convertible; nor, do you make a habit of stopping enroute to the park to fill out applications. It is probably only a misdemeanor. I would pay the ticket in advance of the scheduled court appearance, if possible to avoid unwanted publicity or notoriety as an abusive pet owner.

Answer 9

You will have to pay a fine. You call your animals "babies." Would you leave babies in a parked car in a hot day? And you left them for quite awhile. Do you call that being a responsible pet owner?

Answer 10

Good luck with the corut system. Last time I went before a jugde, for a diffrent charg, I got boot camp. SO get the judge in a good mood.