"Beginning Jan. 1, pet owners who carelessly leave a dog or cat unattended in a vehicle on hot days could face misdemeanor charges, according to legislation approved Friday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
SB 1806 by Sen. Liz Figueroa, D-Fremont, would assess a $100 fine on first conviction, but if the animal suffers great bodily harm, the owner -- or whoever left the pet unattended -- could face a fine as much as $500 and up to six months in jail.
Schwarzenegger said, ``Countless dogs die after being locked in cars while their owners work, shop or run errands.''
Schwarzenegger signed the bill in his office, in the presence of two dogs belonging to staffers, a golden retriever named Tucker Grebitus and a long-haired dachshund that goes by Henry Costigan."
What do you guys think? Is it Good or bad? Should other states follow in California's footsteps?
2006-09-23 08:06:04 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Anyone stupid enough to leave a dog in a car deserves jail time. Having said that, people are still stupid enough to do it to their children, so having a law won't help much.
2006-09-23 08:09:01 · answer #1 · answered by stevewbcanada 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The problem is is that they are already 'rescueing' dogs from NOT hot cars, seen it happen. Is it cruel for an owner to let their dog come with when it is 50-60 degrees? Of course not, the dogs love to go with, but it is happening.
I keep hoping the lunacy in California won't spread, but it always does...
There is no way in h*** I would take my dogs into the state of California, especially LA County or San Fran. Its a shame because I love the state, or I used to until the AR groups took over and the people there lost all sense.
2006-09-23 17:11:58 · answer #2 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definetely agree with Schwazenegger, there are too many accidents of pets left in cars by negligent owners. It' s the same as with kids: 'Would you leave your 2 year old in a car unattended"? Having a pet is a big responsability and pet owners should understand that a car can turn into an oven in seconds.
I applaud the governor and same law should be passed elsewhere.
2006-09-23 08:12:34 · answer #3 · answered by silver wings 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is a reasonable idea and but am concerned about how California as a state has taken on the job of "thinking" for the people who live there. I think Cal. started the no smoking law, the seatbelt law, helmet law, no talking on cell phones while driving law and now this law. These laws start out at state level and then other states and then the other states or the fed adopts them in time.
Do you get concerned that the government is controling your life on a personal level?
2006-09-24 05:19:40 · answer #4 · answered by Lilith's Daughter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fantastic law. . .I wish all states would pass one like it! It infuriates me to see animals suffering because their owners don't realize how hot the inside of a car can get -- even on a comparatively 'mild' day
It's a shame that there has to be such a law in the first place. But people are people, and they either don't use common sense, never had any to begin with, or just plain don't care as long as they aren't inconvenienced.
2006-09-23 08:19:18 · answer #5 · answered by Wolfeblayde 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a good idea. Too many animals are neglected nowadays. Leaving your pet in a vehicle for hours on end unattended is just another form of neglecting.(Without water,food,air.etc.)they would be better off at home in their own domain. If the owner has to spend a long period of time without them that is.
You wouldn't leave your 1-yr.old in a car unattended would you? Well animals are living members of your family too.
2006-09-23 08:25:34 · answer #6 · answered by reptimann 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think this is really good. I hate seeing poor dogs and cats lefted locked up in the back seat of a car with the windows slightly cracked....thats torture! why would any pet owner leave an animal on a hot day in a car with no water. uggh.
2006-09-23 09:13:13 · answer #7 · answered by CoolyUly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with it, and more states should do it. The key word there is "careless". He's not talking about charging everyone who leaves their dog in their car a crime. Owners need to use discretion. It can get very hot in Cali, especially for a poor doggie in a a car with the windows rolled up!
2006-09-23 08:23:32 · answer #8 · answered by Demon Doll 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree woth the law and hope that other states will follow. Why would anyone leave their pet in a hot or cold auto ? I'm sure that if they had half the brain that they were born with , then they will realize that this puts their animals in danger.
2006-09-23 08:15:05 · answer #9 · answered by blue moon lady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a fantastic law and I think all states should adopt it. You wouldn't leave a child in a car with no water and the windows rolled up, shouldn't be leaving a family pet in there either.
2006-09-23 08:12:59 · answer #10 · answered by Mara 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋