is it against the law to leave your animal (dog) in the car while you,let's say, go into the store.?

Question

I went to the Dutchess county fair and brought my dog with me.Much to my surprize there was a sign that said that dogs were not allowed in the fair and it was against the law to keep the dog in the car alone.When did this law go into affect and is it enforceable any place other than fairgrounds.

Normally I bring my dog with me where ever I go.I went to the county fair and took my dog.It was a very cool day and I expected to leave the dog in the car.It was 65 degrees and overcast.I would never leave my aussie in the car for any length of time unless it is cool and not dangerous to her health.She likes to sleep in the car and would much rather be with us than at home.There was a sign at the fairgrounds that stated it was against the law to leave your dog unattended.Since when did this law go into affect.I'm from ulster county,New York

Answer 1

Many States have this law now because dogs are being killed in their owners car because of the summer heat. Here in CT it is against the law to have your dog in a locked car for more than 5 minutes with any windows open or a way for the dog to keep cool. It only takes 3 minutes for a dog to die from the heat that builds up inside a car.

Answer 2

Did you hear about the Humane Society officer that broke the window of a SUV because someone left a dog in the car with the window rolled up and the person that left the dog in the cat was arrested for leaving his dog in the car and the Human Society Officer lost his job for awhile and he is on
suppension. People can't leave their dog in the car alone. In some places it is against the law to leave a dog in the car and it would be a 500.00 fine and 60 days in jail.

Answer 3

First and foremost why take your dog anywhere other than the park in the car where you know you got to leave it in the car for any amount of time.
And yes in many states especially in the southern states it is against the law to leave a dog and more importantly a CHILD in a car for any amount of time. If the air outside is 90 your car in ten minutes and reach over 150 degrees..and at 120 degrees your brain starts to get brain damage from of lack of being able to cool itself by sweating for a child and panting by a dog.
It is never a good idea to leave anything you love in a car thinking you will be right back. All it takes is one thing to happen like you fall and break your leg or faint..then no one will know you have a pet or a child sitting in the sweltering heat.

Answer 4

I know many years ago one summer I left my dog in my car for about 10 minutes only to come out to a police officer and a lady who was furious with me for being so cruel.. until I opened my car (which was running with full AC) with my spare keys and the cop laughed saying I treated my dog better than most people do their kids... and walked off leaving me and a blushing woman who apologized to me. So around here it has been the law for a long long time.

Answer 5

In Arizona where the summer temperature is 100 degrees.... it takes only 10 minutes in an enclosed car for the temperature to rise to 140 degrees. This account for MANY MANY DEATHS in this state to BOTH PETS AND BABIES.
I imagine that 80 degree and ninety degree temps will rise to deathly high temps as well, no matter where you live. A cracked window just does not stop the temp from rising in such as enclosed space.
Just 2 weeks ago a police officer accidently left his police dog in the car.... sadly, the dog died. Every summer we hear of several baby deaths and animal deaths that just should never have had to happen.

Answer 6

How would you feel if you were locked in a car with none of the basic needs like water and toileting and fresh air? Think how hot the car gets inside compared to the temp. outside.I personally would not want to be stuck in a car while someone walks around the fair or store!! I belive it is against the law. I am an animal lover. They are like my 4 legged babies.

Answer 7

As far as I know, it's been a law for a very long time in most of the states. Same with kids. I think if you are running in to pay the gas bill or something you can sneak by, but you can kill your dog in less than 15 min by leaving him in the car. Even with the windows down.

Think of it like this; would you leave your car running while you went in to shop? Would you leave a toddler? Same with pets. I know of several dogs who have figured out the window mechanism (push the button, window goes down), and if they are not paying attention, they can easily choke themselves the same way.

If you could not speak, what would you do if you were in danger?

Answer 8

I'm guessing you must be related to the mayor of Toledo...but of course, not only did he do that but parked in a handicap spot as well.

Even with the windows down, on a hot day, you are putting your dog at high risk. In at least some areas, you can indeed be fined for that. Not only that, but at a fair, it's not likely you were planning on being in and out in 5 minutes. Even if you left the dog in your car with the windows down, who's to say some moron wouldn't make off with your dog or do something to it?

Answer 9

I am not sure regarding where the law is in effect but this is for the health and safety of the dog. It gets HOT in a car and it is really not a good Idea to leave you dog in the car while you go in some where for quite a while.

I think you can check with your local SPCA regarding the rules. You can probably get sited for cruelty to animals.

Answer 10

Yes, there is a law against that and has been for years. It's called animal cruelty and that has been at least a misdemeanor and in most states a felony for quite some time. Where have you been??
And why would you leave a dog in the car in the middle of August regardless of a law??
If the car ain't runnin', don't leave the dog. Period.