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NC Legislation Will Allow Breaking Into Vehicles to Rescue Dogs from Hot Cars

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The North Carolina House passed a bill yesterday that gives explicit permission to use “any reasonable means” to rescue dogs and other animals left in hot cars.

Currently, 14 US-states prohibit pet owners from leaving animals in hot vehicles, and most allow law enforcement officers to enter the vehicle to rescue a dog in distress. However, North Carolina’s new law, if passed by the governor’s signature, will allow not only police officers, but also firefighters, animal control officers, and other rescue workers to take necessary action in saving an animal’s life.

Bob Marotto, the director of the Orange County Department of Animal Services, is thrilled with the new legislation and hopeful that it will pass, saying “I think that’s a valuable tool for local animal control agencies to have to deal with animals that are in vehicles and distressed.”

Marotto’s department receives about 5 calls each week from concerned citizens reporting dogs trapped in hot cars. This legislation will allow his officers to take action, rather than wait previous moments from police to arrive on scene.

On an 80-degree sunny day, the inside temperature of a vehicle can soar to over 110-degrees in just a matter of minutes. Once an animal begins exhibiting signs of distress, immediate care is necessary for survival.

Way to go, North Carolina! We’re looking forward to 49 more states following your lead!

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410 Comments

410 Comments

  1. Avatar Of Thump

    Thump

    says:

    The only real idiots morons here are the brainless people that are taking their dog/cat/whatever to the store knowing that they will be in that store for a long time and leave that animal locked up in a hot car. How stupid can you get? That’s beyond stupid that is just plain brainless. You brain dead people that thinks it’s old news/ it’s alright/ it’s just a dog or a cat, you need to be done the same way. let’s see how you feel after 15 minutes setting in a vehicle that the inside will hit maybe 125 degrees or more with now water. If i see a animal locked up like that in a vehicle I’ll bust that window out and that animal is coming out of there one way or the other. I don’t give a damn about the owner. I’ll call the law and deal with it when they arrive. That should be a nation wide federal law it is flat out animal abuse and neglect. I would really love to see a law passed about putting a dog in the back of a pick up truck and having it ride. What if that dog jumped out of that truck while it’s moving. GOOD GRIEF MORONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  2. Avatar Of Amanda

    Amanda

    says:

    All fine and dandy till you get the idiot that did not notice the car was running with a/c.

    • Avatar Of Thump

      Thump

      says:

      Amanda, think about what your saying here. Ok your going to the store to do some shopping, your going to be in the store 30 minutes to hour maybe longer. You take your pet with you and leave it in the vehicle locked up with the ac on. That’s stupid from the word go. (1) while that vehicle is setting there running with the ac on for a long period of time it is a very possible that engine is being over worked by the ac just setting still and that engine will over heat. What happens then? That engine shuts down from over heating maybe even catches on fire. (2) A car thief has found him a real nut job here. The car thief sees him a car just setting there running with nobody in it just a pet. What does the thief do? Bust your window out takes car and pet. So is it really fine and dandy? Is it really worth the risk? Just asking.

  3. Avatar Of Lori Ugolik

    Lori Ugolik

    says:

    This should be a federal law. A good Samaritan should be able to get the dog/cat/pet /child out, get them water, and call 911! The owner should be arrested for negligence!

  4. Avatar Of John

    john

    says:

    OH! This story is 2 years old…. it is still retarded.

  5. Avatar Of John

    john

    says:

    completely retarded legislation. they need to go home. they have way too much time on their hands.

  6. Avatar Of Shirley Fair

    Shirley fair

    says:

    Nobody needs to bring their animal in the car to leave them in the heat.. they should have stiff fines for this. Why don’t you try and stay in the car no air and see if you can stand it..

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  8. Avatar Of Test test says:

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  9. Avatar Of John Doe

    John Doe

    says:

    The law should be that if you think there may be a pet inside then you can break in to check. If you find any valuables in the car, you should be able to take them for compensation for your time

  10. Avatar Of Michelle

    Michelle

    says:

    How do we get Florida signed up for this legislation ??? These people down here have no respect for animals and will leave them locked in a hot car in a minute. I personally have no problem calling the police or breaking a window but it would be nice if the law was on our side.

  11. Avatar Of Miche

    Miche

    says:

    This is a bit silly; people are debating about whether or not it is okay to leave a pet in a car on a “hot” day. What is a “hot” day? I live in Ontario so a hot day to me is 30 (c) but a “hot” day to someone in Nunavut might be around 15 (c). It’s all relative.

    There is a simple solution to this, if you’re stopping somewhere take your dog out of the car, grab his collapsable water dish (that you of course carry because why would you leave your home with your pet for an extended period of time without bringing him something to drink out of?) and tie your dog’s leash to a pole, tree, bicycle rack, fence, or building in the shade with a full water bowl beside him and go do whatever it is you need to do, be it run in to buy milk or actually do some quick shopping. I do this with my dog all the time because I don’t want to leave him in the car and he absolutely loves it; often when I come out people are petting him and giving him endless amounts of attention. All I have to do is make sure that there is a nice shady place for him to hang out for 10 – 20 minutes while I do what I have to. I tell him to stay and he lays down to wait for me.

    Not leaving your dog in the car doesn’t mean that you need to leave him at home, it simply means that you shouldn’t leave him IN THE car. And conversely you also shouldn’t leave your dog in a freezing cold car without protection from the cold, especially if you have a breed that was never meant to see winter. Some pet owners place more importance on the “look” of their dog instead of choosing a breed that would be happiest in their climate, drives me nuts to watch a shorthaired breed try to got for a walk in our -40 (c) winters.

    • Avatar Of Jane Jones

      jane jones

      says:

      Please do your dog an even bigger favor by leaving him at home! You should never leave your loving and faithful friend tied somewhere while you run an errand–you have certainly heard the horror stories of dogs and cats being stolen to be sold or used as bait animals! Keep them in your sight always because unfortunately we do not live in a society that is trustworthy!This happens in every town and every neighborhood!

      • Avatar Of Afkap

        afkap

        says:

        I would never leave my pet tied up unattended anywhere. There are far too many sick, cruel people who would abuse my pet just to watch it suffer. Give it antifreeze, poison it, kick it, hit in the head with something, stab it with a pen, pour gas on it, you name it. I love my pets too much to put it at risk like that.

    • Avatar Of Chester

      Chester

      says:

      Miche,

      While I commend you on taking your dog out of harms way regarding the heat factor of being locked inside of a car you then put him in another situation that could be easily as harmful and fatal. Animal theft is a huge problem especially in parts of Ontario and everywhere else for that matter. The criminals pull up in a van throw open the side door and within minutes your faithful friend who you have saved from the heat has now been kidnapped. Further more a dog tied up unattended is against the law. One of any number of things could happen while you are away. A child could have their hand bitten or worse yet claim to have had an aggressive gesture committed against them and your dog now runs the risk of being euthanized. Like one person has suggested…leave your dog at home where they are safe! Just out of curiosity does your dog ride in the front or back seat with you and does he where a seat belt when he does?

    • Avatar Of Carol

      carol

      says:

      I don’t agree. Tying your dog up outside while you run errands is a great way to get your dog stolen. Then you have to worry who stole your dog and whether it’s being used as bait for dog fighting. If it’s a hot day, leave your dog at home.

    • Avatar Of Bonnie

      Bonnie

      says:

      Leave the dog at home if the outside temperature is above 60 degrees. Period. No ifs, ands, or butts. No pun intended!!

  12. Avatar Of Cheryl Cheryl says:

    Fantastic News

  13. Avatar Of Pamela

    Pamela

    says:

    Way to go NC. It about time tougher laws are passed and upheld for any and all abuse weather it be two or four legged. Stand up and punish the closet hiders for the wrong they do. We’re not in the middle ages anymore. BUT, I will say, if I see cruelity or abuse with anyone or anything, I won’t need your permission. I will do the right thing reguardless.

  14. Avatar Of Paul

    Paul

    says:

    If a dog is left in the car for a long period of time on a very hot day then I agree completely with the use by any means to save this. However, A dog that just was at dog park and the caring owner runs into the store for ten minutes to get some groceries and dog treats, and Jenny dogooder comes along a freaks out a dog is panting in a car(because he’s hot from playing)and the owner comes out to find his window busted with a perfectly happy loved dog heading to the pound is a very real daily situation. You’d hope people and police would have sense, but they don’t. If johnny and Jenny dogooder/police want to weep for dog weep for the ones locked in cages(crates) for 12 hours a day. Not the good people that bring their dog to work/beach/dog park every day and obviously have torun errands and leave the dog in car for a few minutes. Think about it!!

    • Avatar Of Bb

      bb

      says:

      Ten minutes in a car when it’s a mere 75 degrees outside, with an already panting dog, is enough time to cause harm. I get what you’re saying, but at certain temps, there is no acceptable amount of time to leave your dog in a car.

      • Avatar Of Paul

        Paul

        says:

        So my african lion hunting dog bred to run 30 miles with the horses on the 110 degree african plains is going to be harmed on a 75 degree in ten minutes. Are you unable to comprehend the absurdity of that statement? I know how my dog handles heat. I know how long I can leave my highly trained service animal in the car. Not Joe softy and a cop that know nothing about my breed, my situation, how long the dog has been in the car, and what kind of exercise the dog just got finished doing.

        • Avatar Of Kj

          kj

          says:

          Paul – There is a difference between running outside in open air and being in a tightly closed in area. Try sitting in your car with the windows up or even cracked open a little and see how long it take you to bail out of the situation. It’s totally different. I have left my dog in the car when it has been 60 degrees or less and I time it to be 3 minutes or less. She is totally fine…BUT if other people need to have a law to make them have more sense then I will adjust what I do and never leave her in the car even for a second.

        • Avatar Of Emily

          Emily

          says:

          Considering how many dogs die in cars on a regular basis due to overheating, this law is perfectly rational. Especially since it is illegal for you to keep your dog in a car alone in the first place.

        • Avatar Of Jd

          JD

          says:

          I get this, Paul, I really do. I am a pet professional and have horsebeast Alaskan Malamutes for clients in Southern California. I know they are not going to die if I run in and pick up my Chinese food to go order on a 75 degree morning on the way back from the dog beach. But I don’t expect others to know all the information to make a good decision so I don’t put them or my dogs in that position.

          With all do respect to your experience/attentive care/training and your hardy breed (a Rhodesian I am assuming). The rules are in place to protect dogs and their well intended rescuers from the lowest common denominator of human. If Joe Softy is a pizza boy and trying to do the right thing, he has to make a choice based on his limited experience and observation of the situation…what he knows to be statistically true about the uneducated idiots that are not as awesome as you or your dog. Because for every expert with a hardy dog, there is an ignorant pet owner that should have had to pass a test before they bought, bred, or “rescued” another species (or their own for that matter). Rescuers who operate with this understanding should not be punished for trying to save a life.

          Maybe there is a middle ground where the responsibility for the relevant information falls upon the dog’s owner?

          As for me, I have 2 handmade signs in my truck that hang from the oh shiz handles, I use a dry erase marker to fill in the appropriate info but NEVER on a hot day.

          “Hi I’m DOGNAME, I’m a good dog but DON’T stick your fingers or hands in the window, I might think they are dog treats! My less hairy friend went inside to STORE NAME at TIME and she will be back in 10 minutes. Try this CELL# if you are worried she will come out a runnin'(thank you for caring). If there’s an emergency, please use the crowbar in the back of the truck and get me outta here!”

          It can be a little odd to have your window at stake when you step away, but one might say I do a better job of measuring the value of my time vs. life of my dog (or my newly tinted windows) I already know which of these things is worth the most to me.

          • Avatar Of Jim

            Jim

            says:

            This whole “Save the dog from the hot car” thing kinda scares me because I have seen people claim they would save the animal over their OWN child’s life. It really scares me that people would give up their own child save an animal. I like critters, I really do but that is jacked up seriously!

          • Avatar Of Paul

            Paul

            says:

            Compliments on your well written thoughts with a splash of humor. I guess at the end of the day it comes down to a bigger can of worms I firmly don’t believe in adjusting my life to idiots and the far overreaching gov’t giving more power to the police is unacceptable. You seem willing to adjust to this which is your option, and probably makes life a lot easier. Once upon a time to have your voice heard you had to get and education, gain experience, be thoughtful and wise then you get a podium. Today with social media/computers any mouthbreather can speak without any rational thought. These are the people being empowered to make poor decisions on my property and dogs well being. Once again, sadly, we are getting weaker and less intelligent as a society.

        • Avatar Of Pat

          Pat

          says:

          You are exactly the kind of person who would end up killing their dog because you think you know better than everyone else. A locked car without moving air is much different than outside air even if the temperature is 110 degrees. The air is gone in a locked car in a matter of minutes. And I think most people think it would be better to err on the side of caution, and to save a life. That being said, most people who leave their animals in cars are not thinking about how much heat the dog can stand, etc. They are just stupid, mindless,vacant people who would just as likely leave their kids in the car. This legislation is meant to protect dogs from these idiots. I wish the law would go a step further and prevent them from having dogs and children too for that matter.

        • Avatar Of Tina

          Tina

          says:

          Your dog may be able to handle running free in the heat of the jungle, but being locked up in a car that heats up quickly and retains that heat with no way for him to escape is a different story. Use your brain you idiot! How about you just sit in the car with him in the same conditions and for the same amount of time and then repost. Maybe you just shouldn’t have a dog, or any other animal.

          • Avatar Of I'M Rubber Ur Glue

            I'm Rubber Ur Glue

            says:

            Oh look, another furmommy that can’t have a rational discussion about animals so they resort to calling someone with an opposing view (or what I like to call, logic) an idiot. How very original.

            I’m sure “Paul” knows his dog and his situation better than you. Don’t you have a protest to attend? Some fake blood to throw on someone?

            People who think it’s okay to vandalize another person’s property because a dog is inside REALLY need to stop and think. For example…

            My dog rides with me often. Even when it’s hot. What you, or any other AR nutso *doesn’t* realize (because your ability to use your cognitive skills has been negated by all the hate and anger you keep locked up inside) before you break my window is that:

            1) My windows are not up for his protection. They’re up for yours. He will not only bite you if you TRESPASS into his territory, he will probably keep part of you as a toy for later.

            2) He has a cool mat underneath him. He was laying on it until you came circling his vehicle like a buzzard, triggering his instinct to defend and making him excited.

            3) Aside from the cool mat, he also has bottles of frozen water to keep his area cool.

            4) That shiny thing in the windshield, that’s called a heat shield, and it reflects the sun, provides shade, and keeps the internal temp of the car 20 degrees cooler than the outside.

            5) There is also a battery operated fan on the floor in front of one of the frozen gallons of water, which blows a nice, cool breeze on him.

            6) If it’s *really* hot, or I will be away from the vehicle for 20-30 minutes, I leave the engine running with the A/C on high and the doors locked and the alarm set, with all of the other precautions in place in case something were to malfunction.

            I understand, being an animal lover myself, that people get emotional and fail to think things through when they think an animal is in danger. BUT, you *have* to use logic. Breaking my window would not only put YOU in danger, but also my dog. And he’s quite safe and comfortable in the vehicle that I’ve carefully prepared so that he can be left for short periods of time in the summer when it is necessary. You could be doing more harm than good, and what’s the point of that?

        • Avatar Of Joe Softy

          Joe Softy

          says:

          Paul, I am sure that your fake service defies all laws of nature. Congratulations on your superiority to the rest of the air-breathing world.

    • Avatar Of Animal Lover

      Animal Lover

      says:

      Here’s a thought Paul. Take your well loved, well cared for dog HOME and THEN go shopping. I’d rather someone bust my window to save my dog because they THINK he is in trouble than assume a smart person would leave a panting dog in a locked hot car. We aren’t mind readers. If a dog LOOKS like it is in trouble, SAVE IT. Don’t risk his life.

      • Avatar Of Paul

        Paul

        says:

        Well, you are exactly the person I’m talking about. The small mind that can’t comprehend life outside of their own little box of simplicity. Here is a thought. The dog I picked up off the side of the road left for dead that I hand fed for 3 weeks is on a cross country trip in an RV climbing the highest mountains and visiting childrens cancer hospitals across the country. So the dog hours from death is now living the greatest life a dog can live an is with me 24/7 and putting her back in an RV midday(which is hotter than a car) is not an option. So she happily sits in the car(usually panting cause we did something really cool that most people only imagine from there cubicle at work and every dog Caged(crated) by the millions for 8-12 hours a day dreams of) warm/hot/cold for whatever reasonable period of time I deem while I do daily life chores. The dog nor I need nor want any of You people interfering in our life that think you know whats going on cause she panting. I’ll be very clear that if a dog is on its side foaming from the mouth in a car I won’t be calling the cops or animal control I’ll personally put my size 13 boot through the window. BUT if my perfectly healthy happy dog is panting in the car keep walking…..if you feel so inclined check back in 20-30 minutes. VERY CLEARLY TO ALL YOU THINK YOUR HELPING SOCIETY/ANIMALS PEOPLE…….A PANTING DOG IN A CAR 99.99% JUST LEFT THE DOG PARK/BEACH/WORK/ OR SOMETHING ELSE FUNCTIONAL. If you wanna save a dog go to the humane society or free a lab thats caged(and the dumb ass owner calls it a crate) for 8-12 hrs a day 6-7 days a week. And yes this is a real life situation…feel free to check out/befriend Ginger Travels on facebook or go to her blog page adventuresofgingergirl.blogspot.com

        • Avatar Of Emily

          Emily

          says:

          Considering a car can easily reach about 115 degrees on a normal NC summer day within only 15 minutes you are playing a very dangerous game with that dogs life.

          Your dog is very unique if he or she can handle 115 degrees for periods of time. Most dogs would not be able to handle this heat. Dogs who are elderly or small can be in serious trouble after only 10 minutes.

          • Avatar Of Paul

            Paul

            says:

            It is so frustrating not just in this moment with you but in life when people blather about which they do not know. Since none of you bothered and research science is my field I bothered to compile some numbers so if your going to spout off you can have some actual data. These numbers are of course worse case scenario with windows up, dark car and dark interior.

            STUDY CONCLUSIONS

            Average elapsed time and temperature rise
            10 minutes ~ 19 deg F
            20 minutes ~ 29 deg F
            30 minutes ~ 34 deg F
            60 minutes ~ 43 deg F
            1 to 2 hours ~ 45-50 deg F
            Vehicle interior color probably biggest factor

            So like any good dog owner knowing I have to stop at the store I run the air conditioning until arctic inside the car. My car usually is 60 on the inside even on the hottest day. So In absolute worse case scenario if I didnt park in shade and rolled my windows all the way my car would get to 79 and then maybe even a whopping non threatening 89 degrees after 20 minutes(FYI dogs don’t drop dead in 89 degrees of heat for a few minutes)

            Point being is do your research and think. Understand that dogs pant all the time. Think about all the mitigating circumstances you don’t have the info on. Where was the dog? Did he/she just play in the 90 degree heat for hours at the dog park? go for a long run at the beach? Did the owner leave the dog in an cold car because he/she ran the ac on high for last 20 minutes? what breed is it? do they handle heat well? etc etc etc

            Unless the dog is OBVIOUS, SERIOUS distress you don’t know and its none of your business as well as the far overreaching govt. If you feel so strongly worried check back in 20-30 minutes. 99.9999% of the time the car and happy dog will be long on there way with no need for your disatrous ‘HELP’ that will leave a happy dog on the way to the pound for no reason and a broken window. THINK!

        • Avatar Of Elizabeth

          elizabeth

          says:

          OK Paul….we get it…you’re perfect, you save dogs and do charity work. You are a humanitarian who has african lion hunting dogs (I think those are called Rhodesian Ridgebacks, right?)and none of the rules apply to you. You have an RV and visit sick children in hospitals. You also have the uncanny ability to KNOW when a dog is dying as compared to when a dog is JUST panting from exercising at the dog park. You can do no wrong. Please give us a way to contact you immediately so that we can send you a short video of a dog that might be in distress, and you can determine whether we should break the window or just “check back” in an hour or so… and Now for the OTHER 58 gazzillion people who aren’t YOU…don’t leave your dog in the car….period!

          • Avatar Of Paul

            Paul

            says:

            You just don’t get and I guess don’t have the ability to get it. There are 3 million Americans that travel in RV’s like me with an estimated 4 million dogs, there are tens of millions of working dogs, there are tens and tens of millions of wonderful dog owners that take there dog to the beach/dog park/parks/work. The people that have there dogs with them are the people that have set up lives for themselves and dogs for happiness together. These dogs are the happiest dogs on the planet. To flat out say dogs should never be left in a car is not only unrealistic it is completely thoughtless statement made by somebody who just does not get it.

            There is plenty of literature out there on the difference between a happy dog and what a seriously heat distressed dog looks like. Have you bothered to research and read it. I know the ansewer……NO! So go ahead and do that.

            Your assessment of me is pretty accurate and if only everybody else put animals, the sick, there neighbors first the world would be a lot better place. I ask nothing from anybody except keep your nose, the govt and the police away from our very happy life.

        • Avatar Of Linda Conrad

          Linda Conrad

          says:

          Paul it’s great that you know all about your particular dog and what he or she can withstand….and it’s even wonderful that you have all the scientific evidence and numbers that make up statistics….and kudos to you for running your ac and getting your car to an ‘artic’ temp before leaving your overheated, excited dog in the car for 10 minutes. Unfortunately, not all people…in fact many people…are not as, shall we say, well educated ss you…about their dogs or the scientific statistics you quote…and don’t realize how quickly a dog can become distressed and die. Gee, many don’t realize how quickly their children…put in the same situation…can become distress and yes…die. Unfortunately laws need to be made…not for the informed and the ‘smart’ people….but for those who don’t think…don’t care…or simply don’t pay attention….I’m not a fan of being regulated by laws that are simply common sense…but in today’s society…how much common sense do you really see? If I see and animal…or a child…close in a car on a hot day…I don’t need a law to tell me what to do….

    • Avatar Of Sarandon

      sarandon

      says:

      There’s always that one person…and you, my friend, are it. YOUR OPINION….my God. I guess you feel everyone needs to know it!! People who will save dog’s life, I’m sure have enough sense to know the difference between a dying dog and a dog that has been in the car a short period of time. They will use best judgement. Like I said, SOMEONE ALWAYS HAS TO PUT FORTH THEIR NEGATIVE ASS COMMENT!!

      WOOOHOO NC, PROUD TO BE A NORTH CAROLINIAN!

    • Avatar Of Dennis Gannon

      Dennis Gannon

      says:

      Something like parking in a Handicaped Space because heck, “you’re just going to be in the store for a minute.”
      Okay, but the people that pass your car don’t know your intentions.
      What they do know is, they see a problem, they have called the police, and they have, with the knowledge they possess, tried to resolve the problem.

      Also, in most civilized states, leaving an animal in a locked car on a hot day is considered by the Court System to be Animal Abuse.

      So when you run in the store, be prepared for whatever takes place on your return.

      If you would not do it with a baby, don’t do it with an animal. Make a 2nd trip.

    • Avatar Of Chester

      Chester

      says:

      A caring owner wouldn’t leave their dog for 5 seconds after the dog has exerted him or herself in a dog park. So what you are saying is the dog is already hot from running around and then leaving the animal for 10 minutes where the heat inside a car with the windows cracked can easily hit over 100 degrees is okay. Is that what you are saying? Please tell me that is not what you are saying! Dogs do not regulate heat like humans do, they can not perspire to stay cool when temperatures exceed what they are capable of. Do yourself a test for yourself keeping in mind that you as a human can regulate certain levels of heat through perspiration. Run around like a crazy person for hours then get into your parked car and do nothing for 10 minutes and let me know how you feel after. If you are like most the second you get in you can’t believe how hot it is and you immediately roll down the windows or blast the AC and you are trying to tell me its ok for a dog who cant deal with the heat the way we can.

    • Avatar Of Mostlyharmles

      Mostlyharmles

      says:

      Don’t leave your dog in a parked car. it’s that simple. No excuses. Jenny and Johnny do gooder have no authority to break your window, and would have to call the police. If you don’t want to risk having your window broken, leave it down, and I’m not even talking about that BS 2 or three inch crack everyone thinks will create a magic breeze out of nowhere.
      A dog that’s hot from playing is even more at risk for this problem. I know I wouldn’t run two miles and sit in a car for 3 minutes, let alone 10 minutes. That’d be miserable. Of course, having read your comments before we already established that your dog can defy basic physics, and being a jerk to animals is okay, because you have RVs, and visit sick kids in the hospital, and Have a rhodesian ridgeback that is heat tolerant.

  15. Avatar Of Tilly

    tilly

    says:

    As an ACO (not in Nc) this will help first responders do their jobs. We get hundreds of calls for dogs left in cars. Our fire department has a heat scanner. We assess the dogs behavior and level of stress. The window is scaned for internal car temp and if need be the window is broken and the dog is removed. If the dog is not in extreme distress we go into local stores and have the plate number announced and make the owners remove their dogs and give them cool water. Animal cruelty is a felony in our state a dog left in a hot car is considered cruelty and it will be charged as so. It isased off professional opinion and heat index. If you don’t want a free broken window don’t leave living creatures in your car!

  16. I don’t leave a lot of responses, but i didd a few searching and wound up here NC Legislation Will Allow Breaking Into Vehicles tto
    Rescue Dogs from Hot Cars | The Dogintton Post. And I actually do haqve a couple
    off questions for you if it’s allright. Is it just mme or does it seem like a few of the responses come across as iff they are written by brain dead visitors?
    😛 And, if you are posting at other online sites, I’d like to keep up with anything fresh you have to post.
    Could you list of all of aall your community sites like your linkedin profile, Facebook
    age orr twitter feed?

  17. I’m not much for government, but this is one thing I can agree on. Too bad the majority of commenters think it’s OK to leave a dog in a car.
    youtube.com/watch?v=Mxb18JV8i08

  18. Avatar Of Kelly

    Kelly

    says:

    Why only NC? This should be all states.

    • Avatar Of Kelley

      Kelley

      says:

      I agree Kelly.

    • Avatar Of Lynda

      lynda

      says:

      Why indeed. I would do it even if it weren’t legal. People are just plain stupid sometimes.

    • Avatar Of Overlord

      Overlord

      says:

      No it shouldn’t, this is government overreach. A dog isn’t going to freaking DIE on their master’s half an hour to an hour trip to Walmart even on the hottest of days. I know this, I’ve been left in a hot car on blisteringly hot summer days as a child on numerous occasions as a kid, often by choice because I didn’t feel like walking around the store. All you people are imbeciles.

      • Avatar Of Karen

        Karen

        says:

        maybe that is why you are so stupid now? your parents were imbiciles

      • Avatar Of Connor

        Connor

        says:

        You are the idiot dogs are not able to sweat like humans to remove heat they need to pant and take in cool air if there is no cooler air then the animal will begin to over heat quickly

      • Avatar Of Alejandro Flores

        Alejandro Flores

        says:

        Well you said it yourself “overload”, you were left in the hot car way too long your ability to make a rational thought got pretty screwed up, every single thing you said makes as much sense as coming from a retarded, drunk, crack-head. Keep up the irrational stupidity going, you’ll go far in life “overload”

      • Avatar Of Linda Hunt

        Linda Hunt

        says:

        You must live in a very shady (to be taken 2 ways) part of town. We live in a fairly temperate part of the USA and it isn’t unheard of to read about dogs and kids dying in hot cars here and in surrounding shopping areas. What would make a sane person, or even YOU, think that their master’s visit to Wally World is only going to be for a half hour or hour? A woman was recently reported to have left her dog in her car for over 3 hours at Wal-Mart. I actually think passersby should be able to legally remove kids or pets from hot cars if the 911 call isn’t VERY quickly responded to for whatever reason.

      • Avatar Of Thor

        Thor

        says:

        Thank you Overload for proving to everyone the level of BRAIN DAMAGE that occurs when a body gets overheated in a hot car. Just because you were the victim of severe neglect doesn’t make it ok for others to do the same to their children and pets.

        Dogs can, and do, die in a very short period of time in a hot car.

        I’ve never felt the need to have a law to do the right thing, save an animal from an idiot owner, but it’s nice that this is in place at least for emergency responders.

      • Avatar Of Nancy Raymond

        Nancy Raymond

        says:

        God – what planet are you from?? YES, they could die in one hour – and WHY would you even take your dog if you were going to Walmart????? And I bet your parents left you in the car as a child because they were either embarrassed to be seen w/you or were hoping you would expire. Makes sense to me.

      • Avatar Of Diane Rice

        Diane Rice

        says:

        Overlord you are the one that is stupid.A dog gets hot faster then a human. It’s people like you that would leave a dog in the car.I will break a window out to save a dog and if the owner don’t like it well they can kiss my butt.If it’s to hot out hot out there then leave your dog at home.You need to read and learn more about dogs and i pray that you don’t have a dog because you would be stupid enough to try it and see if it will kill a dog or any animal.To me anybody stupid enough to leave a animal in a car or anything on a hot day should be put in there with the window cracked and see how long they would last but fix it where they can get out or roll a window down.

      • Avatar Of Liz Lorman

        liz lorman

        says:

        U r a stpupid ignorant bitch?

      • Avatar Of Mark

        Mark

        says:

        I just love how your neglect as a child qualifies you as a veterinarian.

        Humans and dogs are not the same. Dogs have a fur coat. And, more importantly: DOGS DON’T SWEAT! They pant to cool off. And if the air they breath in to cool off isn’t cool, they don’t get cool at all. So, what does that mean when they are in a hot car in direct sunlight ? They die! In less than an hour when the outdoor temp is only 80 degrees!

        Educate yourself instead of making stupid assumptions.

      • Avatar Of Lashauna

        Lashauna

        says:

        You could open the frickin door! Have you ever in Florida, Arizona or Nevada! You would not want to be left in a car in those places and you sweat. Dogs pant to cool off.

      • Avatar Of Talon

        Talon

        says:

        PEOPLE SWEAT THROGH THEIR SKIN DOGS PERSPIRE THROUGH THEIR MOUTH ..
        IM PRETTEY SURE YOU WERE IN THE CART WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED ALL THE WAY DOWN AND WERE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR .
        I HAVE SEEN ANIMALES GO INTO DISTRESS IN SIDE OF 30 MINUTES AND HAVE SEVER BRAIN DAMAGE
        IF YOU WANT TO KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO AN ANIMAL LET SOMEONE PUT INTHE TRUNCK OF A CAR FOR 30 MINUTES IN THE MIDDLE OF A PARKING LOT ON A 95 DEGREE DAY
        I BET WITHIN 10 MINUTES YOU WILL SCREAMING TO GET OUT OF THAT TRUNK
        SO YOUR THE BRAIN DEAD IMBECILE BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT

      • Avatar Of Nairbsenra

        Nairbsenra

        says:

        It obviously roasted your brain. Your “owners” shud hv left bin there a tad longer

      • Avatar Of Elizabeth

        elizabeth

        says:

        Well, Overlord….you are living proof that being left in a hot car does cause brain damage….Did you ever stop to think that your parents left you in a hot car ON PURPOSE?

      • Avatar Of Sarandon

        sarandon

        says:

        Leave your damn comment to yourself. It happens all the time.

      • Avatar Of Chester

        Chester

        says:

        Hey Overload!

        You obviously suffered brain damage when your parents left you in a car on a hot day because you don’t seem to understand anything and are completely missing the point and quite frankly should not be allowed to own a dog. Its stupid ignorant people like you that laws are put in place.

      • Avatar Of Mostlyharmles

        Mostlyharmles

        says:

        I have no idea how people like you manage to not realize that people are far more tolerant of heat than dogs, and that cars get quite hot in a very short amount of time. Dogs, can, and do die on “short trips” 30 minutes in a locked car is freaking miserable, and you, being the fully rational human being with thumbs can simply get out of the car if it gets too hot.

        Don’t be a jerk to animals isn’t government overreach. It’s common bloody sense.

    • Avatar Of D. Weiler D. Weiler says:

      EVERY state should have this law!!! I agree with Kelly here!!!

    • Avatar Of Connie Shehorn

      connie shehorn

      says:

      I agree it should be a law in all states and if
      they break this law punishment should be in
      order. Not just a slap on the hand either. It
      is NOT ok to leave a pet of any kind in the HOT
      car. Thanks.

    • Avatar Of Dennis Gannon

      Dennis Gannon

      says:

      It sure should.

  19. Avatar Of Brian

    Brian

    says:

    I hope that this new law becomes official. Any pet should not be allowed to be placed in such a brutal, and inhumane condition, by being left alone in a vehicle. The ignorance, and lack of caring, and education of people who do this to any pet is unacceptable. This law will help save the lives of these trapped pets, left in an inhumane condition if suffering.

    • Avatar Of Robin Croft

      Robin Croft

      says:

      Dogs can’t sweat like you can. Idiot! They need to pull cooler air over their tongues while they pant to cool off. If the air they are sucking in is hot, they deteriorate rather quickly. Whereas a human might have a half hour or so…the dog has minutes. Get your facts straight.

    • Avatar Of Doglovers Paradise

      Doglovers Paradise

      says:

      I have had dogs all my life and am a true animal lover. While I applaud the proposed bill to protect the health and well being of an animal – I am concerned about the individuals I have been dealing with lately in parking lots. I have a rescue hound and she goes every where with me, i.e. work, home doesn’t matter she is always by my side. Yesterday I stopped to buy a couple items – wasn’t gone 10 minutes and I left my little girl in the car with the A/C on. She gets to sleep quietly and comfortably in a cool 68 degrees while I get our groceries. Yesterday – first stop 2 people were trying to break into my car and had already called the police. When I asked them if they had noticed the car was running and the windows were cool to the touch. The look on their faces was priceless. I pointed out that the only stress my dog was experiencing was coming from them and not the fact that she was quietly watching for me. Its the idiot do-gooders that concern me with this bill. I experience this every time I go out with my pet. I am thankful people are out there trying to protect the ones that cannot speak for themselves – but some people seem to have no common sense. My little girl would much rather be in the car at 68 degrees than home in a crate or a room.

      • Avatar Of Chester

        Chester

        says:

        Doglovers Paradise,

        You seem to understand and make sure your pet is safe however might you be aware that it is illegal in most states in the US to leave your car idling for more than 5 minutes when parked and completely illegal to leave your car entirely with a living mammal inside and the car idling. Most pets are like kids to their owners yet for some reason all common sense goes out the window regarding leaving an animal in a car…would you do that with your kid? No you wouldn’t because you would have child services take away your kid.

  20. Avatar Of Peter

    Peter

    says:

    Thats great! Its a fantastic law. The only issue is what if the dog gets out and attacks the Good Samaritan that’s trying to help it? Then what?

    • Avatar Of Scott

      Scott

      says:

      the law would only allow only certain city emergency responder’s, animal control agents,etc to do it not “regular citizen’s”

      • Avatar Of Scott

        Scott

        says:

        i imagine they would be prepared for this event… wearing gloves… assessing the dogs demeanor as they are freeing him/her, etc

    • Avatar Of Lynda

      lynda

      says:

      A dog in distress wouldn’t have the energy. Duh

  21. Avatar Of Jenny

    jenny

    says:

    can you also do this with babies?

  22. Avatar Of Dse

    DSE

    says:

    How is it that this post was made on 07/19/2013 and we’re only talking about this now nearly a year later?

  23. Avatar Of Ben

    Ben

    says:

    If you leave your windows open a few inches than the inside of the car does not exceed the outside temperature. I’m not saying leaving your pet in the car is the right answer but I am saying if you’re going to make a big ruckus about it at least get your facts straight. I sit in my car all the time with the engine off and the windows cracked and never feel like I’m going to die. This is just another example of the government wasting time and money on stupid laws that don’t fix the problem only some of the symptoms. If they would spend half the money they waste on stuff like this on educating our moronic population than things like this would never be a problem.

    • Avatar Of Linda

      Linda

      says:

      Apparently, you are an idiot, Ben. Dogs do not react to the heat as humans do. Cracking the windows will NOT help. Dogs can die in a matter of minutes from heat stroke. Having been a Veterinary nurse, I can attest to having seen far too many of these dogs. Don’t give advice, if you don’t know what you’re talking about.

      • Avatar Of Laura Garris

        Laura garris

        says:

        yes you’re an idiot, dogs do not have sweat glands, they cant sweat asshole, you can, they have to have cool air to keep cooled. I worked for a vet I know, look it up

      • Avatar Of Tim

        Tim

        says:

        Linda,
        Apparently Ben is extremely hairy and must pant. He cannot sweat… You can have all of the book smarts in the world, but they cannot teach common sense in school. Also, I doubt Ben will sit in a car with the windows cracked and no Air conditioning if it’s 90 degrees outside. Some people just need to learn to keep their comments to themselves, at the risk of seeming like an idiot, instead of saying or writing their comments and removing all doubt.

      • Avatar Of Linda Hunt

        Linda Hunt

        says:

        AMEN

    • Avatar Of Boo

      Boo

      says:

      I can’t believe you really think this Ben. First of all, dogs don’t sweat to cool themselves off when they need to. Let’s put you in a car, windows cracked, when it’s 85 degrees out and see how soon you start to perspire. I’m pretty sure YOU are the one who needs to get your facts straight.

    • Avatar Of Lisa Moses

      Lisa Moses

      says:

      AGREE! Ben, that is a VERY dangerous comment! Dogs die in hot cars- with or without the windows cracked. Please get your facts straight before posting or sharing that info with anyone. You can kill an animal with that type of info.

      • Avatar Of Kennal Master

        Kennal Master

        says:

        Alright, let’s get some FACTS straight vice emotions. “Primarily, dogs regulate their body temperature through panting, and sweating via their paws. Panting moves cooling air over the moist surfaces of the tongue and lungs, transferring heat to the atmosphere. Dogs possess a rete mirabile, a complex system of intermingled small arteries and veins, in the carotid sinus at the base of their neck. This acts to thermally isolate the head, which contains the brain, the most temperature-sensitive organ, from the body, which contains the muscles, where most of the heat is generated. The result is that dogs can sustain intense physical exertion over a prolonged time in a hot environment, compared to animals which lack this apparatus; thus, a dog chasing a jackrabbit through the desert may not be able to outrun the rabbit, but it can continue the chase until the rabbit slows due to overheating.”
        Dogs are very adept to heat regulation, and are adapted to every extreme condition on earth, just like us. Obviously, none of you have ever seen a working dog hunting for explosives in 140 degree heat in Afghanistan. That said, yes a dog, or any mammal for that matter, would suffer and perish if left in a confined space for prolonged periods of time under excessively hot or cold conditions.
        So, the adult informed discussion is not whether one can leave Fido in a parked car, but for how long and under what conditions? And what measures can we take to mitigate the danger to the animal?
        Facts again, it is NOT illegal to leave a dog in a parked car in North Carolina. The new law which you are al commenting on is an amendment to an existing Animal Shelter law. Read the law, learn the law, and try to understand its implications.
        Ҥ 14-363.3. Confinement of animals in motor vehicles.
        (a) In order to protect the health and safety of an animal, any animal control officer, animal cruelty investigator appointed under G.S. 19A-45, law enforcement officer, firefighter, or rescue squad worker, who has probable cause to believe that an animal is confined in a motor vehicle under conditions that are likely to cause suffering, injury, or death to the animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or under other endangering conditions, may enter the motor vehicle by any reasonable means under the circumstances after making a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person responsible for the animal.
        (b)Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to the transportation of horses, cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, or other livestock. (2013-377, s. 6.)”
        The larger more important questions are; what exactly are these “conditions”? What and who defines “adequate ventilation”?
        Would Linda, Lisa, Laure, Tim, [et.al.] lead us to believe that if I park my truck, open the windows, and walk in a store for say 3 minutes, that I have placed my dogs life in imminent peril, and should be recused of my behavior? On what facts is that based on? How fast does the temperature rise above ambient, what is the temperature that is too hot for my dog, or yours? Are they different? Is 3 minutes on a hot day dangerous, or is 30 minutes on a temperate day adequate? How old is the dog? How open are the windows? There are way too many variables, to make such broad statements as;
        “Any pet should not be allowed to be placed in such a brutal and inhumane condition, by being left alone in a vehicle.” AND “Apparently, you are an idiot, Ben. Dogs do not react to the heat as humans do. Cracking the windows will NOT help.” OR “yes you’re an idiot, dogs do not have sweat glands,…” and of course the best (most un-informed) ” AGREE! Ben, that is a VERY dangerous comment! Dogs die in hot cars- with or without the windows cracked. Please get your facts straight before posting or sharing that info with anyone. You can kill an animal with that type of info.”
        NOT ONE of you has mentioned a single correct FACT, so instead of making rhetoric, let’s have a discussion about what the real thresholds for danger are to leaving an animal in a car, and how can we ensure their safety. And how about a discussion about LE deciding they can violate our privacy, sure that’s their job, but based on what facts? Is there a time? Or temperature? Or observable condition? Or is it up to their “professional opinion”, ask what training and written guidelines these people have to work with? Or we could just call each other names, because that helps.

        • Avatar Of Chase

          Chase

          says:

          There is no way to vote up Kennel Master’s comment so I will just type this message saying I think you are awesome and leave this happy face. 😀 Please continue to fight to protect the rights and lives of animals.

          sincerely, Chase

        • Avatar Of Robert

          Robert

          says:

          Wow, wasn’t expecting to see intelligence in this article’s comments. Way to go. This is the type of conversation that needs to take place surrounding these laws or regulations.

        • Avatar Of Doglovers Paradise

          Doglovers Paradise

          says:

          Your explanation is exceptional – but why don’t we just turn the A/C on an let our pets enjoy a nice cool nap?

    • Avatar Of Ac

      AC

      says:

      “Than” signifies a comparison.

      “Then” signifies some form of order.

      Sounds like you belong in the group that could use all of this “money wasted” for some supplemental education. This bill did nothing more than allow police a little more freedom when it comes to this issue.

    • Avatar Of Sandra

      sandra

      says:

      Have you lost your mind? Or do you not live in the South? The air inside the vehicle soars over the outside air. Good grief!!! Crack your oven door and still sit inside there with it turned on.

    • Avatar Of Raven

      Raven

      says:

      Ben you sweat different than a dog which is why you can sit in your car with the window open slightly and not die

    • Avatar Of Mike

      mike

      says:

      Ben your a blithering idiot…wonder what yourre doing sitting in a hot car “all the time”? You either live at the north pole or some fantasyland…Dogs can and have died within minutes of being left in a sealed car. Even with the windows down the frint and any window that is still closed continues to heat the air inside a car. The education you want the gov to spend money on instead of passing these laws should go to teaching your dumb diluted ass how to be human..

    • Avatar Of Derrick

      Derrick

      says:

      Well Ben, I’m not going to lash out and call you names like some have. But I do disagree with you. First off, “education” isn’t the answer. Most, if not ALL people, know that you’re not supposed to leave an animal in a hot car or it can die. The problem is, some people just don’t care. But the fear of having their window knocked out, might make them think twice. And besides, if even one animal is saved, then it is worth it, and is not a stupid waste of time or money.

    • Avatar Of Laura

      Laura

      says:

      You, Sir, are a damned idiot. Enough said.

    • Avatar Of Adam

      Adam

      says:

      And just so you know, our “moronic population” is educated by a system that includes the vast majority of the greatest schools and universities in the world. Perhaps you might want to consider attending one of them before the next time you decide to leave a comment like this…

    • Avatar Of Charlene

      Charlene

      says:

      I’m afraid your belief that cracking the windows prevents the temperature from rising to dangerous levels is in error. This site shows that even a 60 sunny day can be dangerous to an animal. avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/pets-in-vehicles.aspx If you don’t believe it, try sitting in a car yourself with the same conditions. Likely it won’t be long before you become uncomfortable. As humans we are able to use our whole body surface to sweat in order to help cool ourselves. Animals don’t sweat. There only way of cooling is through panting. If you love your pet, please don’t take the risk!

    • Avatar Of Shannon

      Shannon

      says:

      Ben, maybe you should try sitting in a hot car with a fur coat on and see how that feels. And I have to say, I think you are completely full of shit. If you do feel like it is getting too hot then you have the option of turning on the air conditioner, rolling the windows down further, or better yet, GET OUT OF THE CAR! A dog stuck in a sweltering car is not given those choices. You are the moronic population (of which you refer to) that needs to be educated. Shame on you.

    • Avatar Of Pat

      Pat

      says:

      Uh…Dogs, cats, and children can easily die if left in a car on a hot day..EVEN WITH WINDOWS CRACKED! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know this….just some common sense.

    • Avatar Of Ann

      Ann

      says:

      I don’t think you wear a fur coat while sitting in your car either!

    • Avatar Of Nancy Raymond

      Nancy Raymond

      says:

      You are totally wrong – YOU sit in a hot car for any length of time w/the window open an inch or so and see how you feel – it is deadly. I sure hope you don’t have any dogs – you are sentencing them to death by your stupidity.

    • Avatar Of Dennis Gannon

      Dennis Gannon

      says:

      This is, of course, not true.

      Try it yourself. Crack your window a few inches on a 88degree day, open a book, make sure that you have no access to water and enjoy your afternoon.

      I will bet that in 10 minutes you will be out of the car and trying to find something to drink and air conditioning.

      If you don’t want your window busted, leave the door unlocked, but that animal will get help if I see it. My first call is to the Police and locking an animal in a car will get you a Court Date for Animal Abuse and a loss of the pet.
      So is it worth going to court to plead your case, spending the money, paying the fine?

      Choose.

    • Avatar Of Chester

      Chester

      says:

      How many stupid ignorant people can there possibly be in the world…the answer…A LOT! Watch this and get informed for a change and stop talking out of your ass! youtube.com/watch?v=JbOcCQ-y3OY

    • Avatar Of Mostlyharmles

      Mostlyharmles

      says:

      I invite you to try sitting in a car with the windows cracked a few inches for 30 minutes, and report back to us whether or not the magic of leaving a few inches of interface between the outside of the vehicle and the inside of the vehicle was enough to keep it from getting unbearably hot, oh, and wear a plastic bag under your clothes to keep your sweat from effectively cooling you, and wear a nice warm jacket over top of it. Now you are on par with how a dog will handle it.

      It’s pretty dang easy when you have all the advantages of being an animal from the Savanas of Africa bred to tolerate heat. It’s another thing entirely if you are a wolf.

  24. Avatar Of Fc

    FC

    says:

    I don’t think a car window is more important than a live. Way to go!!!!

  25. Avatar Of Fa-Qu

    Fa-Qu

    says:

    Before I go out in my car, I stick my dog in the freezer. Then when I leave him in my car he is just barely thawed out by the time I’m done at the mall.

  26. Avatar Of Steelerfan 6Sb

    steelerfan 6sb

    says:

    Hay…..even a cat can save a child from a dog attack cant we save dogs or any other animal from a car oven? No brainer right?

    • Avatar Of Sorry For You

      Sorry for you

      says:

      You know that they are putting that dog down that attacked that kid, right? Lol, attack a kid, see what happens you filthy animal…

      • Avatar Of Tammy

        tammy

        says:

        ur a filth human , people r to blame for what teir animals do cuz obviously ppl rnt smarter than a dog

        • Avatar Of Scottro

          Scottro

          says:

          You’re definitely not smarter than a dog…

        • Avatar Of Kelley

          Kelley

          says:

          Really? You’re going to berate this guy’s intelligence and you’re to lazy to type out the word “aren’t”?

          Is the dog responsible for attacking that kid? Yes. Is the owner responsible for it as well? Hell yes!

          You can’t say that it is entirely the person at fault. That’s like blaming texting for making you the lazy illiterate waste you are.

          • Avatar Of Linda Hunt

            Linda Hunt

            says:

            I just couldn’t help myself, but I mean this in a “friends” way. Your 2nd sentence (the one starting with “You’re”) should say “you’re too lazy to type out the word “aren’t?”

      • Avatar Of Myxy

        myxy

        says:

        It is NOT normal for any dog to run over and attack a child that was in no way threatening it or even seemingly having anything to do with it.
        You would have a dangerous animal running around instead?

        • Avatar Of Andrea Brand

          Andrea Brand

          says:

          Dogs shouldn’t be running around dangerous or not- that’s why there are leash laws! The human is responsible to keep their dog on a leash and didn’t. The human is there for responsible for the attack. Let’s put the human who didn’t properly take care of their dog down.

          • Avatar Of Kevlynn Kevlynn says:

            How about when a 5 year old neighbor is repeatedly told NOT to put her hand through the chain link fence of a neighbor’s yard, cause the dog inside the fence will bite & the kid puts her hand through the fence & the dog mauls the little girls hand & arm…the home owner ends up paying for all the child’s medical bills involved in the incident…bratty kids that disobey their elders. ugh!

  27. Avatar Of Kasino Kasino says:

    Especially nice and fitting since the Franklinton woman killed her dog who was locked in the car while she spent three hours in the Wake Forest Wal Mart today :-/

  28. Avatar Of Elizabeth

    Elizabeth

    says:

    And next comes the dog bites and the law suits. Members of the general public should call a police officer NOT destroy private property. I have if this passes the first victim of this law sues the state.

    • Avatar Of John M

      John m

      says:

      Pretty sure no one is going to sue the cops after their dog is rescued from a life endangering situation

      • Avatar Of Steelerfan 6Sb

        steelerfan 6sb

        says:

        Realy? A man just sueda officer for saving his life when his car went into the river..hes fine..wana know the reason? The cop wasnt fast enough. But I have broken car windows myself and would do it again. Have a great week.

        • Avatar Of Dennis Gannon

          Dennis Gannon

          says:

          Well sure, any bonehead can sue for anything. That’s paperwork.

          Winning and collecting? That is entirely a different matter.

      • Avatar Of Janice Dunstan

        Janice Dunstan

        says:

        If I saved a animal from death, go ahead sue me. It will never be a guilty verdict. Use your phone and vedio tape it to show the animal is in distress!

        • Avatar Of Dennis Gannon

          Dennis Gannon

          says:

          God bless Smart Phones, film at 11:00.

          If you want to sue me, go ahead.
          I expect that the offender has
          good evidence that will cost me a fine.

          I hope so.

          I have evidence of why I did what I did.

          Phones have camera’s now and take video.
          Statements from those around me and so
          on.

          I’m ready.

    • Avatar Of Beth

      Beth

      says:

      If the dog is in distress they are least likely to bite because they would be near death.

    • Avatar Of Todd Snodgrass

      Todd Snodgrass

      says:

      Obviously you didnt read the story Elizabeth, if you did, you would see youre comment makes no sense

    • Avatar Of Kim M

      kim m

      says:

      I am pretty sure that by the time that animal needs rescuing due to heat exhaustion/heat stroke, they will not bite the person saving them. They will not have the energy or composure.

    • Avatar Of Matt

      Matt

      says:

      Shut up Elizabeth. Go sit in a car for 3 hours on a hot day and see if you’re not begging for someone to smash a window. Idiot.

    • Avatar Of Charlene

      Charlene

      says:

      If you read the article, it says the law allows other rescue personnel besides the police to break a window to access the dog not the general public.

  29. Avatar Of G

    G

    says:

    Meanwhile in NC, children with autism can’t get ABA therapy that would greatly help them, but no one seems very upset about that

    • Avatar Of Pam Wasserman

      Pam Wasserman

      says:

      oOne thing has nothing to do with the other. Leaving a dog in a hot car to suffer and die is not going to help your cause with autistic children.

    • Avatar Of Fuck Off

      Fuck off

      says:

      That’s because autism isn’t a real disease. It’s nothing but a politically correct way of saying “special”.

      • Avatar Of Steelerfan 6Sb

        steelerfan 6sb

        says:

        Dont be an ass

      • Avatar Of Sorry For You

        Sorry for you

        says:

        Denial. You’re a prime example of someone who might be autistic or have some chromosomal disorder that doesn’t even recognize it….

      • Avatar Of Dennis Gannon

        Dennis Gannon

        says:

        This is why some family trees don’t fork.

        This is why cousins shouldn’t marry.

        This is beyond stupid, but I’m sure they have an opinion
        just like everyone has an as_ _ _ _ _.

  30. Avatar Of Anastasia Anastasia says:

    Please pass the legislation animals should live long healthy lives.

  31. Avatar Of Patty

    Patty

    says:

    North Carolina is not the first state to allow this. In fact, if North Carolina passed it, I’m guessing at least 25 other states already have since North Carolina is far from progressive in their animal laws. I know for sure that California already allows most law enforcement personnel, including animal control officers, to break into cars to rescue animals.

  32. Avatar Of Sfk

    SFK

    says:

    the problem appears to be, not in what the new law would state, but in educating the public on EXACTLY what a distress animal looks/acts like. without the education, you have a bunch of do-gooders thinking they are helping when there was nothing wrong in the first place.

    I offer this link for review: petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_heat_stroke

    Symptoms and Types
    Hyperthermia can be categorized as either fever or non-fever hyperthermias; heat stroke is a common form of the latter. Symptoms of both types include:
    Panting
    Dehydration
    Excessive drooling (ptyalism)
    Increased body temperature – above 103° F (39° C)
    Reddened gums and moist tissues of the body
    Production of only small amounts of urine or no urine
    Sudden (acute) kidney failure
    Rapid heart rate
    Irregular heart beats
    Shock
    Stoppage of the heart and breathing (cardiopulmonary arrest)
    Fluid build-up in the lungs; sudden breathing distress (tachypnea)
    Blood-clotting disorder(s)
    Vomiting blood (hematemesis)
    Passage of blood in the bowel movement or stool
    Black, tarry stools
    Small, pinpoint areas of bleeding
    Generalized (systemic) inflammatory response syndrome
    Disease characterized by the breakdown of red-muscle tissue
    Death of liver cells
    Changes in mental status
    Seizures
    Muscle tremors
    Wobbly, incoordinated or drunken gait or movement (ataxia)
    Unconsciousness in which the dog cannot be stimulated to be awakened

    nowhere in here does it say a barking, moving dog is in distress. please use common sense before breaking windows.

    I had my dogs in the SUV (at a dog show), windows halfway down, fans running, under shade tree and some “person” (I’ll save my own opinion) turned me in for “dogs in distress”. why? one of my girls with separation issues was BARKING!!! a barking dog is NOT in distress!!!

    • Avatar Of Notmyname

      Notmyname

      says:

      “However, North Carolina’s new law, if passed by the governor’s signature, will allow not only police officers, but also firefighters, animal control officers, and other rescue workers to take necessary action in saving an animal’s life.”

      It’s not the public, it’s the emergency and animal workers. I would hope animal control and firefighters would have a clue already. Honestly, I would hazard a guess that it’s the police officers who have the least knowledge out of those listed.

    • Avatar Of Antipc

      AntiPC

      says:

      “Seperation issues” means you havent crate trained your dog. If you do, “it” will stop.

    • Avatar Of Dennis Gannon

      Dennis Gannon

      says:

      Well then I’m sure you have nothing to worry about.

      As long as you would do the same thing with a child
      and expect the Police to understand you are on solid
      ground.

  33. Avatar Of Robin

    Robin

    says:

    If you must take your dog with you everywhere, invest in a pet stroller from PetSmart and take the animal with you into the store, rather than leaving it in the car.

    Leaving your animals in the car is just cruel.

    • Avatar Of Sandi

      Sandi

      says:

      many stores and state buildings (such as highway rest areas) do not allow pets inside. invest in a spare key to leave the car running and locked to keep the pets comfortable for a few minutes or better yet, leave them home whenever possible

      • Avatar Of Andi

        Andi

        says:

        In my state, if you leave the car running, with the ac on so your dog can stay cool… you will get a ticket for “wasting a natural resource”!go figure!

        • Avatar Of Mostlyharmles

          Mostlyharmles

          says:

          In addition to it being incredibly wasteful, it’s also dangerous to leave several thousand pounds of metal and plastic in a condition that can easily be made unsafe. The ticket is for parking unsafely.
          Engine off, car in park/neutral, parking brake set, wheels to curb. Remember drivers ed?

    • Avatar Of Sfk

      SFK

      says:

      when you have 50+ lb dog a stroller is not an option.

      • Avatar Of People Are Stupid

        People are stupid

        says:

        Then don’t take your dog with you in the first place. Good pet Owners, and yes I have 3 dogs (2 shelties and a german shepherd) and a cat, would not stop off at a shopping mall or place where they couldn’t take their pet when it is hot out period. It’s irresponsible. Petsmart, Petco, Lowes and Home Depot allow pets inside of their stores. Go there if you have to. Of course they must be under the control of the Owner and leashed. I work at a shopping mall, in the management office. It is a LARGE corporately owned company with hudnreds of shopping malls across the US. We have a new policy that in the summer months, we would rather allow people traveling to bring their pets with them than leave them in their cars to die. However, we do not publicize it, but will not stop it from happening when it is hot out.

        • Avatar Of Jill S

          Jill S

          says:

          Home Depot does NOT allow dogs except service animals in their store. If this is a company wide policy, I know several stores that aren’t aware of it!

        • Avatar Of Lisa

          Lisa

          says:

          Sometimes individual stores will look the other way, but neither Lowes nor Home Depot allow pets (other than service animals).

  34. Avatar Of Michelle

    Michelle

    says:

    The people that say it’s ok to leave a dog in the car your are complete morons the normal temperature of a dog is between 101 to 102 do you really think the heat doesn’t affect them? Leave your dogs at home!

    • Avatar Of Joan

      Joan

      says:

      Carry a brick a bottle of water in your car.

      • Avatar Of Jess Kay

        jess kay

        says:

        Hell yes…bottom line if it 80 degrees or hotter and I see a dog in a vehical windows cracked doors locked car off. I’m SMASHING YOUR WINDOW
        And so would anyone and I mean any one I work with go to school with and know. So I think it best to just leave your damn dog at home. Or come out to your car to find your dogs gone forever your windows broken and a little note saying “should’ve left your dog at home”

        • Avatar Of Mikki

          Mikki

          says:

          Some people take their pets on vacation with them, and even if the dog is in distress and needs to be rescued from the car it is a) illegal to do so in every state if you are a citizen (this law is for firefighters, SPCA, etc.) and b)Illegal, irresponsible, and immoral to steal someones dog.

        • Avatar Of Ben

          Ben

          says:

          Can’t wait to see what happens when the owner catches you being a vigilante.

  35. Avatar Of Blogspot.com blogspot.com says:

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  36. Avatar Of John

    John

    says:

    If you must bring your dog on a hot day, how about parking in the shade, leave the window down far enough
    So the dog can at least get its head out the window, and walk your
    Fat ass into the store or whathave you. Think avout the dog and quit worrying about parking close or how far you have to walk if its out of the way!

    • Avatar Of Sabrina

      sabrina

      says:

      It doesn’t matter if the windows are cracked. It still gets over 120 in a car. Windows being cracked do not allow enough air flow through the car. Shade or not. Do not leave your animals in a hot car. EVER!!! Sabrina

    • Avatar Of Rose Fann

      rose fann

      says:

      just a fact to remember add 20 to 30 plus degrees to the inside of the vehicle no matter if in shade or not, dogs can not sweat to cool off like humans, and i agree if you have a pet leave it home

    • Avatar Of Ed'Smom

      Ed'smom

      says:

      My dog does go most places with me and he is a 60 pound coonhound, when I leave him in the car when it’s hot out. He has a water bowl full of fresh cold water, his cooling dog bed, his fan on, a sunshade in the front window, and all 4 windows down. I try to park whereever the shade is. And if someone tried to get my dog out of my car, they will get bit, my dog is train and extremely protective. And I always take care to never leave more than 15-30 minutes tops

  37. Avatar Of Laura S

    laura s

    says:

    i usually leave the a/c on for my dogs with the car running when i have to stop somewhere on the way to/back from hiking – i really hope some well-meaning person doesn’t try to break my window and then get attacked by my dogs!

    • Avatar Of Mary

      Mary

      says:

      Well, someone did that in Phoenix, as they took 2 minutes to run into a store. Someone broke into their car and drove away with their dogs. Just an FYI.

    • Avatar Of Nancy

      Nancy

      says:

      Citizens cannot break into your car. They just expanded the law to include firefighters and Animal Officers. By the time someone alerts them you would be out of the store if you are only running in for 5 minutes. Your bigger concern as Mary had indicated was someone breaking into your running car.

      • Avatar Of Teresa

        Teresa

        says:

        Nancy, Sorry but you can say it would be only 5 minutes but you never know when you get sidetracked or stuck in long check out lines.

      • Avatar Of Mike

        Mike

        says:

        If they break into my car in the 5 mins it takes me to run in the store 1( they’ll have my dogs to deal with, 2) they’ll be lookin down the barrel of my Colt .45.

    • Avatar Of Alexandra

      Alexandra

      says:

      I leave the AC on with the car running and lock the door. I take the spare key with me. Or I take her with me. No one has ever said anything. It’s rare that I do this, but I’m not leaving her in a hot car or an unlocked car with the engine running!

    • Avatar Of Debra

      Debra

      says:

      Keep in mind if your car should stall out for some reason..there goes the AC.

      • Avatar Of Sandy

        Sandy

        says:

        Yes, Debra! You are right. An officer in AZ left his K9 in the patrol car with the AC going and it failed and the heat blasted and killed the dog. Horrible thought!

        • Avatar Of Pissed Citizen

          Pissed Citizen

          says:

          “Police dogs”, just like their handlers, are nothing but a nuisance. Police are supposed to protect and serve yet they do nothing more that harass and intimidate.

          • Avatar Of Stick

            stick

            says:

            you are very dumb if there where no police there would be no bad people in jail now lets think about that hmmm school shooting would be all over the place so be thankful for your police

    • Avatar Of Teresa

      Teresa

      says:

      Well that is fine Laura but about a year ago in the news was a police dog that died because the engine cut off in the police vehicle. The officer also had the Ac on. Just a thought. One never knows. Best bet keep your dogs home if you have to go to any stores unless someone is going to stay in the car with them.

    • Avatar Of Jess Kay

      jess kay

      says:

      Car on a/c on…sounds like safe haven I’d attack if some random person tried to move me outta there

    • Avatar Of Doglovers Paradise

      Doglovers Paradise

      says:

      Thank you Laura – I leave the A/C on for my dog and she takes a nap while enjoying a cool 68 degrees – but I still have idiots that think they need to save her – from what? Getting too cold while I am away for 15 minutes??

  38. Avatar Of Chuck

    Chuck

    says:

    The dog has to be in DISTRESS. Which means that it is not moving. If the dog is jumping at the window or barking or wagging its tail while you look into the vehicle then it is not distressed and NO ONE has the authority to smash any window to “rescue” the dog. If you smash a window and the dog is not in distress YOU will be paying for the replacement window. Remember folks – the animal must show signs of DISTRESS.

    • Avatar Of Lisa Lutz

      Lisa Lutz

      says:

      That is where you are wrong. If a dog is acting like that, that is the start. The dog cant breathe,and panic sets in. Try it sometime. Place yourself in a car when its 80 degrees outside, and see how long you can stay in there. The difference is, you can get out a dog cant. It only takes 10-15 minutes for heatstroke to set in,and death can occur in 1/2 hour. Even if you have every window cracked an inch, you will find there is no air flowing through. Plain and simple if you have errands to run leave the dog at home.

    • Avatar Of Evan C.

      Evan C.

      says:

      Sounds like someone is gonna break your window soon. Defensive much? Leave your dog at home. The car can get to 110 degrees very quickly. If you cant stand the heat, why do you think you dog could? It’s abusive!!!

      • Avatar Of Sarah

        Sarah

        says:

        The only thing with this: what if the A/C is on full blast, they have food & water and I ran into somewhere for less than 5 minutes? Then you just smashed in my window to rescue my dog that doesn’t need rescuing…. Lol

        I have a Prius so you can’t hear when it’s on, my dog can’t be left alone for long periods of time because she’s a rescue and has major separation anxiety issues. When she’s in the car, she knows I’ll be back in 5 minutes and if I’m going to take longer than 5 minutes, I go to wherever I’m going, explain the situation, and they either let me bring her in or keep an eye on her. Leaving her at home is less than ideal because of the episodes she has had in the past.

        • Avatar Of Mary

          Mary

          says:

          See my comment above. Thieves can tell if a car is running, and it only takes a second to break in and drive away, especially when it’s running. This happened in Phoenix. Don’t let it happen to you!

          • Avatar Of Doglovers Paradise

            Doglovers Paradise

            says:

            Well – if thieves want to break in my car while my dog is enjoying her nap in air conditioned comfort – they deserve what they will get when she awakes!!!

        • Avatar Of Karen

          Karen

          says:

          Sarah, how about making up a sign that you can put on the window or dashboard of your car for when you run in someplace letting people know the car is running, and the air is on.

          • Avatar Of Nancy

            Nancy

            says:

            Good idea Karen.

          • Avatar Of Pissed Citizen

            Pissed Citizen

            says:

            Well…thats Phoenix. Where there are nothin but dirty Mexicans. Theyre like niggers, all they know how to do is steal, lie and be assholes.

        • Avatar Of Becca

          becca

          says:

          Not all cars can be stolen just because they are “running”. I just moved across the country and yes, I had to leave my dig in the car a couple times. We locked the doors, hit the remote start, and went on our way. If someone tried to steal my car they wouldn’t get anywhere cuz you can’t drive it w/o the keys.

          • Avatar Of Tamara

            tamara

            says:

            I too use the remote start to run the AC. It will run for 10 minutes and I can restart it up to four times as long as I am within about a 1/2 block from the car. The extra gas is a small price to pay to have the peace of mind that our pets are safe.

    • Avatar Of Gary Kroegman

      Gary Kroegman

      says:

      Good luck with that buddy. You leave an animal in a car with no air flowing through it and any person with common sense is gonna bust your window and take the animal to a better suited home. On top of that consider yourself lucky if you do that and someone isn’t waiting for your ass… the last thing anyone is worried about is paying for a window.

    • Avatar Of Donna Kempf

      Donna Kempf

      says:

      Living in Az, I have smashed a window of a vehicle with a dog in distress in June.
      I called police AFTER I did it, and I stayed with the animal.
      It took approx. 10 minutes for police to respond. This entire time the owner of the car still was no where to be found.
      Police called animal control which took an additional 10-12 minutes to arrive…and still no owner.
      The police officer did ask me to leave so that the owner could not get any information about me because he/she still had the right to sue me in small claims for damages, or sue my insurance.
      I don’t know the outcome of that situation other than the dog would have DIED if I had not smashed the window.
      I’ll do it again if I have to.

      • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

        Rock Rockefeller

        says:

        So the police encouraged you to take evasive action from being sued from something you did illegally? That’s illegal. Breaking into cars here is illegal and could get you shot, legally! I’d like to see a statement from the Veterinarian that proves the animal was indeed in distress, just a little bit. Don’t get me wrong, I love animals, all of them and I too have stayed with an animal in a parking lot in Fayetteville, NC that was locked in a car with the windows cracked, just to be sure it would be OK. The cops stopped by, the lady owner eventually came out and got scolded be the cop, but the dog was just fine. What I don’t like is self-righteous animal lovers abusing humans. Why is human abuse so accepted in this society? Shame on you and the cops in this situation. You must be a proud me me me me person. Good luck with that.

        • Avatar Of Cm

          CM

          says:

          Rock,
          Maybe you would prefer legislation that makes it a felony to leave a dog in a hot car? Me personally? I support such legislation in so far as it gives a certain level of bargaining power to law enforcement. If the scumbag want to sue for the window, okay…he gets to sue, but the person he sues gets to take the stand against him in the criminal matter.
          Seems logical to me.
          I think thats actually a great way to go.

        • Avatar Of Rebecca

          rebecca

          says:

          I have to agree with Rock with the over zealous. I am glad there could be a law to protect the listed rescuers. But I must say I was really nervous when after leaving the vet I had to stop at the drug store to pick up her scripts, I walked in and asked how long then went back to car to wait together with air on. I had visions of a good Samaritan having busted the windows for no good reason but assumption. I have also left the motor running and air on when doing the same drill, the fear was great the car would be gone when I returned because that is happening more often. As long as cool heads prevail and people are certain of the whole situation I would call authorities first and with observation of time and condition bust a window but I can’t say I trust the public to act responsibly on either side of the issue.

          • Avatar Of Lisa

            Lisa

            says:

            I worry about that sort of thing often. I understand being upset when a dog is left in the car for a long time. Unfortunately, some people overdo it a bit. I used to drop my daughter off at school on the way to the park. On days she was late, I was always afraid somebody would bust a window open to ‘rescue’ my dog while I signed my kid in.

    • Avatar Of Jeff P

      Jeff P

      says:

      I don’t care where you live, what the law says or how big you are…if you left your dog in your car and I THOUGHT it was in distress if call police then smash your window to get the dog out. Dogs are not property, I don’t care what the law says, owning animals is a privilege not a right. Would you leVe your kids in a hot car? Ya I didn’t think so…but since you have the attitude pets are property and you can do what you want then you probably would leVe your kids in a hot car. You certainly should not be allowed to win a pet with your disgusting attitude.

    • Avatar Of Jess Kay

      jess kay

      says:

      Sorry buddy but I’m a human being I can tell temperature….a dog in distress started out looking like just another happy dog wagging it’s tail until eventually the heat took over. I’ll use my brain instead of my eyes ok….f it’s ducking hot out n there’s a dog in a metal box…..he has no thumbs bro….I’ll get him out when I find it necessary. You should do the dame…or just sit there and wait for the distress signs to kick in…so u can sleep better at night knowing the window wasn’t broken in vein….derrrp

  39. Avatar Of Rusty

    Rusty

    says:

    As a firefighter, I don’t risk my life trying to pull out your family pet from a burning house just to watch you kill it in your car in the supermarket parking lot. If you’re going to be dumb, be prepared to pay for it.

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  41. This is a topic that is near to my heart…

    Cheers! Where are your contact details though?

    • Avatar Of Melanie

      Melanie

      says:

      If your windows are down, there is no need to break one. If you simply crack the windows, I’m breaking one!

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  43. Avatar Of Will

    will

    says:

    Another over-reach by a bloated nanny state government….. A dog is a persons property and what they choose to do with it is their concern…. As far as allowing destruction of property,the people who cheer this legislation should be ashamed of themselves…. I’d love to see someone bust my window out to
    “save” my dog when I left him in the car for two minutes while I was grabbing a gallon of milk at the gas station…..

    • Avatar Of Melanie

      Melanie

      says:

      You don’t deserve to own a pet. I would bust your window in a second if you left your dog in the car for even one minute. It is torture.

      • Avatar Of Melanie

        Melanie

        says:

        If your windows are down, there is no need to break one. If you simply crack the windows, I’m breaking one!

        • Avatar Of Markus

          Markus

          says:

          Dear ¨will¨,
          Im not sure you grasp the the situation this law is designed to remedy. This is for when someone leaves their dog(which yes,their dog is their property) in the car with no windows down, and is gone for a long enough time for people to notice, call the police, and then wait around for the owner of the vehicle/dog and or law enforcement officers to arrive. Running into the store for a minute is not really a big deal, I do it pretty frequently, but neglecting the living creature that depends on you for life and offers love and loyalty in return is another thing entirely.

          • Avatar Of Denise Reaved

            Denise Reaved

            says:

            I see a lot of car repairs in your future.

            Idiot

            Denise

          • Avatar Of Kim

            Kim

            says:

            Slaves were once considered property– what was done to them isn’t considered right either.

    • Avatar Of Rover

      rover

      says:

      Please tell me where you drive, I’d be happy to bust out EVERY window in your vehicle, plus maybe your face

    • Avatar Of Dianne

      Dianne

      says:

      YOU are DISGUSTING. Dogs are living creatures NOT PROPERTY!!!! It is people like you who should NEVER OWN MORE THAN A POTTED PLANT, and a fake one at that!!!

      • Avatar Of J Jay

        J jay

        says:

        You’re a real piece of garbage. Probably a teabagger too. Do the gene pool a huge favor and blow the sh1t that passes for your brains out today.

        • Avatar Of J Jay

          J jay

          says:

          To be clear, that was meant for the piece of garbage “will.”

        • Avatar Of Stephanie

          Stephanie

          says:

          That is enough. I am disgusted at how you adults are acting (I am assuming you are adults). Garbage, teabaggers, and recommendations for one to commit suicide are inappropriate.

    • Avatar Of Mike H

      Mike H

      says:

      Get over yourself will. I would bust your window out in a heartbeat!

    • Avatar Of Brenda

      Brenda

      says:

      Will, I can’t believe you just stated that a dog is property. Are you kidding me???!!!! A dog or any other pet in my opinion is family…not a car, tv, boat etc. Does that make a child left in a HOT car your property? Just sayin..

    • Avatar Of Ashley

      Ashley

      says:

      Will not only will your windows get busted if I see your animal in the car but more than likely you ass will too. I will gladly take an assault charge to rescue an animal.

    • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

      Rock Rockefeller

      says:

      I agree with Will. Y’all self appointed do-gooders best mind the law it ya know what’s good for people, not dogs.

      • Avatar Of Bob B

        Bob B

        says:

        Yeah, about that. Dogs are better creatures than most of the people in this world. And a broken car window is a small price to pay to prevent the abuse and possible death of a living being. It’s probably the only little life that dog will ever have.

    • Avatar Of Jess Kay

      jess kay

      says:

      To dude you are one dumb asshole..I can not wait for
      Your windows to get smashed….u leave ur car off windows cracked car off with your dog in that car…..BET JUST BET u spend a lot of money replacing windows this summer….think twice there bud. Your not to bright

    • Avatar Of Mostlyharmles

      Mostlyharmles

      says:

      A dog is property, yes. You can do with a dog what you want. False. There are laws preventing cruelty to animals. I don’t see how not being a jerk to animals is a sign of a “nanny-state”

      Especially since this law allows the people who are able to asses your animals level of distress, and provide aid and allow them to break the window as a last resort to save its life.

      Sorry, but if you are such an irresponsible turd that you leave an animal in a vehicle to the point it needs help from people with more than 20 chromosomes, you don’t deserve to own that property.

  44. Avatar Of Ginger

    Ginger

    says:

    I live in Florida, where the temperatures have been insane. Once I called 911 about a dog left in a vehicle and they said that wasn’t an emergency. They told me to call animal control. Then I called animal control and they told me they don’t have anyone who goes out on calls like that. This was in Brandon, FL. Yep, that’s right. Any idea how many animals die in cars daily here in FL? No- nobody knows, because the police don’t care! I would break a window in an instant if I saw an animal in a hot car with the windows up in this heat. I don’t care if it’s been 1 minute or 10. I will break the window. Then I’ll leave a note for the owner about what an idiot they are, and take their “precious pet” to Animal Services where they can pay the FINE to retrieve their animal!

    If I don’t do it, who will???? Apparently the authorities in Tampa, FL don’t care.

    • Avatar Of Amanda

      amanda

      says:

      Good for you Ginger! DO IT…I have been to Tampa a few times myself and we have had our dog with us and didn’t even want to leave him in the car under a shaded tree (windows cracked) long enough to unpack our car at the hotel we had to take him up the road across from Ruth Eckard Hall to a friends before so he would not get hot because they were keeping him for us since the hotel wouldn’t allow it…and I down there would personally do the same get me for B&E don’t care I will do it here as well…

    • Avatar Of Melanie

      Melanie

      says:

      If your windows are down, there’s no need to break them. There, problem solved.

    • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

      Rock Rockefeller

      says:

      Wow Ginger, you’re smarter than the police and Animal Control. You should run for mayor of your neighborhood! Oh, wait a minute, you busted all their windows. Maybe you should just move.

      • Avatar Of Bob B

        Bob B

        says:

        Or, how about this? If you don’t know how to care for a dog, or you don’t care enough to do it properly, don’t get a damn dog. Problem solved and no need for anyone to move.

    • Avatar Of Spinetingler

      spinetingler

      says:

      “I would break a window in an instant if I saw an animal in a hot car with the windows up in this heat…Then I’ll leave a note for the owner about what an idiot they are, and take their “precious pet” to Animal Services where they can pay the FINE to retrieve their animal! ”

      and then you’ll get arrested for vandalism and theft.

      • Avatar Of Jess Kay

        jess kay

        says:

        I’d smash ur damn window and you’ll never see ur dog again…then id leave a note saying u should of left ur dog at home….leave ur dog in the car dude….if I find him u won’t ever see him again…ur a fucking idiot…..we are not talking about being malicious to each other…..IF IT’S FUCKING HOT DON’T LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR…IT’S FUCKING SIMPLE

  45. Avatar Of Ali

    Ali

    says:

    tell me if you think this is wrong or not.. be HONEST.. not mean!
    I few days ago i was out driving with my dog… i had to run into a store real fast… since they didnt allow pets… i parked my car… kept it running.. and BLASTED the air conditioning… i put the windows up and my dog sat in the air on the front seat until i returned.. however when i got back… an officer was writing me a ticket for letting my car idle in the parking lot… he said “Next time you need to turn your car off!!” i looked at him and said let me get this straight… you want me to leave my dog in the car.. and turn it off? he sat there for a minute thinking.. then told me to roll the windows down instead… and tie his leash so he couldnt get out…. needless to say i fought the ticket in court… thank god the judge was an animal lover and UNDERSTOOD why i had kept the car running!!! my dog is my family… i’d rather pay 1000$ in fines… then to leave my dog with NO air!!!! cant believe that cop…. (i even wrote on a piece of paper and put it in my window that said… Dont worry… The air is running in the car!!)

    • Avatar Of Candyce

      Candyce

      says:

      I do the same if I have to bring my dog & stop at a store, I will use my automatic start or keep the key in the car and take the key fob so I can lock it. Air on so she doesn’t get hot at all. Even with windows down it can still get really hot in a car. Try it on yourself. Sit in your car with the windows down.

    • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

      Rock Rockefeller

      says:

      I checked with several local LEO’s in the Charlotte Metro area. It is NOT illegal to leave your car running anywhere for any reason. It’s your car, right? I got that same crap from a Charlotte-Mecklinberg Officer and challenged him right there in the parking lot. He and his side kick just walked away.

    • Avatar Of Hubert Buck

      Hubert Buck

      says:

      The officer tried to cite you for leaving the car running and the A/C on for your dog? Funny, I’ve seen several local officers here in New Bern NC leave their patrol cars running for 30 minutes or more while they were eating at a local restaurant. None of them were K-9 units…they just felt like wasting taxpayers money.

  46. Avatar Of James L.

    James L.

    says:

    THE ONES YOU’D EXPECT TO KNOW….DUH!
    DURHAM BULLS HANDLER HAS NO MICROCHIP (LOSES DOG)
    Not a hot car, but this is a “Chapel Hills Trainer/Kennel Owner” and Owner of the Mascot dog, Deuce, of the Durham Bulls Baseball Team.
    He should’ve known better to have had a microchip on this dog and of all, at least a leash.
    heraldsun.com/news/x533457020/Durham-Bulls-canine-mascot-found

    Kennel in NC:
    chapelhillboardingkennel.com

    Owner Gene’s public page
    Older threads address his not having a chip but no response from him that I can see.
    facebook.com/GeneAndLucky

  47. Avatar Of Orn

    orn

    says:

    The legislation comes the same week that the Carrboro Police Department charged the program manager of the Eyes Ears Nose and Paws nonprofit with misdemeanor animal cruelty after she left a dog in a car with the windows rolled up June 10. The golden retriever named Worthy, which was being trained as a service dog, died the next day.

    Read more here: newsobserver.com/2013/07/19/3038300/house-oks-bill-to-let-officers.html#storylink=cpy

  48. Avatar Of Beth

    beth

    says:

    He I’d be exceptionally pissed if someone broke into my car to rescue my dog when I leave it running with the ac on. Since its electric you won’t hear the engine. All they will be doing is letting all the hot air in and costing me a window.

    • Avatar Of Yamin

      yamin

      says:

      Please note that even leaving the A/C on in an idling car with the windows up can be risky for your dog. A police K9 suffocated in Fresno, CA after the officer left the car idling with the A/C on. The triple-digit temps outside simply caused the A/C system to fail and blow hot air into the car.

    • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

      Rock Rockefeller

      says:

      What Beth said. Only I’d wipe your arse all over the parking lot before the cops saved your sorry self!

      • Avatar Of Bob B

        Bob B

        says:

        Man, just adopt out your dog to a family who’ll care about him. Your comments show what kind of person you are, and it’s the kind who has no business being a dog parent.

  49. Avatar Of Ellen

    Ellen

    says:

    NC, doing something this progressive? Hard to believe with their practices of gassing animals, but every little bit of care and concern from legislators is welcome.

  50. Avatar Of Jenjen

    JenJen

    says:

    Yes People are real ASS – Holes , need to mind there own business.
    My fat farts go every where with me , they sit there fat ass in the car with A/C, Plus We have gallon jugs frozen ice under there blanket they lay on and water bowl that besides the point , Pretty soon your dog won’t be aloud to be in the car with you . Be a law or some bull shit, Breaking my window of my car just because you think it’s ok. because it’s some law passed because A dog is sitting in a car. Your ass would be in jail and going to court for messing with my property. If for one second I thought my fat kids were not safe ,they sure wouldn’t be going bye bye with me. There is cases people leave Baby’s, kids and animals in a hot cars ,Make sure it’s the case before you do something real stupid people ,ALL the laws being passed. What in the hell is this world coming to. So sad how people attack other people. When you love something you sure wouldn’t put it in harms way, Sorry for my piece of mind , But my fat kids have been going every where with me for years, and that’s not going to change.Good Luck people who take there dogs car riding soon your pets won’t be able to take a trip to the Vet’s office or groomer or to the dog show, be a law no car riding for dogs or I should say your pets if people have it there way.

    • Avatar Of Mostlyharmles

      Mostlyharmles

      says:

      This is a law that allows animal control and firefighters to rescue an animal in distress by breaking windows.

      I don’t know what the rest of your rant is on about, but it’s still very much illegal to break someones window if you aren’t a LEO, Fireman, Or Animal Control.

  51. Avatar Of Rafi Johnson

    Rafi Johnson

    says:

    …yet North Carolina allows animals to be killed in mass-holocaust-style gas chambers at shelters across the state… odd.

    • Avatar Of Bob B

      Bob B

      says:

      Ohhh no don’t blame the shelters for that one. What’s odd is that it doesn’t fine people for abandoning dogs to be cared for with taxpayers’ money. It’s the irresponsible dog buyers who are at fault for those deaths. I say “buyers” because they sure as hell aren’t dog parents.

  52. Avatar Of Dmac

    DMac

    says:

    I applaud this law … if it’s enforced properly and for JUSTIFIED distress.
    I travel 7 hours from my home to my parents home on a regular basis with my 2 furbabies. Nope … can’t leave them at home alone for 3 days, and yes, they enjoy the trip. However ~ for all you people saying “just leave them home” …. responsible pet owners have the ability to do this safely. I HAVE to stop for gas, and people tend to frown on me popping a squat to take a dump out in the pet walking area with my girls … soooooo … I have to go to the bathroom >inside<. If it's hot, I leave the vehicle running. If it's comfortable outside (I'm not an idiot and know how hot a car can get in a short amount of time) ~ then the windows are cracked and yes … they hang out in the car. I often wait for long periods to wait for a front parking space to open so I can see them while I'm waiting in line to pay for snacks. It can be done …. safely …. and responsibly. If my pet was in distress and someone needed to call 911 please do so — let trained AUTHORITIES make that decision …. but trust me …. if you break my window, chances are slim you're not in my eyesight, and we will have issues.

    • Avatar Of Lisa

      Lisa

      says:

      This is the best response I’ve read so far. I get so mad when people say responsible pet owners leave their pets at home. My mother lives hundreds of miles from me but I’m the one who drives her to her doctor appointments. I’m not going to hire a sitter when I could bring my pooch along. If somebody broke my window to “rescue” my dog while I was in the restroom or buying a meal to eat in the car, I’d be furious.

  53. Avatar Of Barbara

    Barbara

    says:

    This is wonderful. But if I see any dog in any car you can bet your whatever that I WILL find a way to get into the car.. In fact I am going to put a sledge hammer in my car right now just in case!!!! And that is regardless or not any law has or has not been passed to do so.

    • Avatar Of Carl

      Carl

      says:

      And you will be replacing a lot of windows.

    • Avatar Of Mark

      Mark

      says:

      Also, keep in mind that while you’re weilding that sledgehammer so proudly, someone else might fear you and your pissed off attitude at the time, and in today’s crazy world… SHOOT YOU!!! But it’d all be worth it right??? They’re just animals people…

    • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

      Rock Rockefeller

      says:

      Just for clarification, NC passed a law that lets you defend your life and the lives of others if attacked in your automobile or household or any situation where you feel that your life is threatened. I’d shoot you if you broke into my home. Guess what I’d if you broke into my automobile? Especially since you told me you were bringing a sledge hammer, idiot!

      • Avatar Of Bob B

        Bob B

        says:

        This guy’s a moron. If he shoots someone who breaks his car window while he’s NOT IN THE CAR, he will be going to jail for a very, very long time. And good riddance. Then, his poor dog can be cared for by someone who gives a damn.

        • Avatar Of Stephanie

          Stephanie

          says:

          In my state (Texas) we have the right to protect ourselves and our property. The law doesn’t allow a civilian to break into a vehicle, but it sure does allow me to shoot anyone I catch trying to break into mine.

  54. Avatar Of Melrose

    Melrose

    says:

    Leaving the car running while pets (or children) inside is a joke. A local police department found out the hard way. They took a K9 officer to a call. The human officer left the dog in the car with the engine running and the AC on. He was gone longer than he had anticipated and the engine had stalled. The dog was in the seat dead. It took just a matter of a few minutes for it to happen. It was only 85 degrees outside, but once the engine stopped running, the temp began to climb. It happens more often than one would think. I’ll break a window if I have to in order to rescue an animal. And yes, I am a volunteer with a rescue organization.

  55. Avatar Of Marybeth

    Marybeth

    says:

    I’m really confused as to why anyone would leave their pet in a car unattended hot or cold outside. If you can’t take them then don’t take them with you. I called the police about two dogs in a parked car in front of a groomer in Charlotte nc. I went into the groomer and asked if they knew who’s car it was. They said no. One window open about one inch, one dog frantic trying to get his snout out the window and foaming and drooling. I didn’t see the second dog until after I called 911 & was on the phone with dispatch. Second dog unresponsive in back seat, I told operator I was going to break window and she advised officer was pulling into p arking lot. As soon as the officer approached car and looked inside he ran back and got something from his car to hit the window with, the owner came out of the groomer shop wanting to know what was going on and told me to stop being a nosey blank blank, the officer told her to get the car open or he would break window also told her he was going to give her a citation if she didn’t stop saying nasty things to me. He had both dogs out of the car and took her information and told her he would be checking up on the dogs. Her argument was they were show dogs and she’s a breeder and they are used to being in the car at shows. Idiot. He also made it a point to tell her based on what the one dog was acting like if I had broken the window it would not be me getting a fine or citation. All you people who seem to think it’s fine to leave them and have so much to say about someone breaking your Windows fans, water or not should not have dogs. You are irresponsible.

    • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

      Rock Rockefeller

      says:

      Really Marybeth? How responsible is it to damage a humans property? And then claim another responsible human (a cop) told you you would not get a citation? I must visit this fairy tail land you live in just to see if I can randomly shoot people that try to break into places I stay! How wonderful!

      • Avatar Of Bob B

        Bob B

        says:

        I’m done responding to this jagoff. I really, really hope he doesn’t have a dog. If he does, he’s the reason this law is needed.

  56. I applaud this law, of course. But I have questions. After the officer breaks a window, does he confiscate the dog? Does he take it to the police station and make the owner pay a fine to get it back? What if the dog is frightened and becomes vicious? I want more details here!
    I am not a police officer or anything like that. But if I saw a dog, cat, child, elephant, or whatever in distress, I would not hesitate to break a window to rescue it, but what then? I do not have a cell phone. I do not have a car. I am in a wheelchair, so I can’t run for help. I wouldn’t know what to do next. I can’t let the animal or child just roam around free. It might run into the street and get killed anyway. Really, it should not even be an issue. Just leave the pets at home. And if it is a child, you are a TERRIBLE parent and your children should be taken away from you!

  57. Avatar Of Bj

    BJ

    says:

    As a resident of NC, I applaud this action. Please pass this. You wouldn’t believe the most irresponsible animal owners.

  58. Avatar Of Loretta Swick

    Loretta Swick

    says:

    I think this is fantastic news, congratulations on passing this law, maybe other places will take this situation seriously and adopt your law. In Canada, things are also improving with security guards checking all cars to see if there are any pets in the car. This should become a world wide thing.

  59. Avatar Of Ally

    Ally

    says:

    This is some BS. So let me get this straight…ONLY “official” people with distinguished roles can rescue an animal that could be minutes away from death locked in a hot car? Why not ANYONE (that includes Jane Doe that just happens to be walking past the car. She doesn’t have a cellphone to call anyone and there’s no one else around) can smash a window to save an animal (or child’s) life!?? I don’t care if there’s restrictions to this law..If I lived in NC, I’d be smashing any windows to save an animal or child’s life. Yeah, I’m just a civilian, but the minutes CAN count in these situations! Sometimes, there is just NO time to try and go find some official person that is granted the right by law to save an innocent life.

    • Avatar Of James L.

      James L.

      says:

      There’s legitimate calls to AC that have to be addressed but there’s many in the public sector that call without realizing that some of the animals aren’t in danger at all, windows open, shade, air running, temperature ‘not dangerous’ but they call regardless. If the public was given liberty to break windows, they’d break them on a whim even not in an emergency.

    • Avatar Of Etilton

      ETilton

      says:

      If you’re in a parking lot and an animal is in distress simply go inside the place of business. Ask around and in a matter of minutes I can promise you that there will be a small army of EMT’s, Firefighters, Rescue Squad members and LEO surrounding that car with all manner of cool toys ready to bust a window.

      This is North Carolina. We probably have more volunteer firefighters and EMT’s per square inch than some states have per square mile – and we’re proud of it.

      It’ll take you (at the most)all of 5 minutes to find a certified rescuer. Unless the animal is already prostrate, it’ll be okay for a minute or two longer.

      Also remember that this is NC… you break the windows of some good ol boy’s truck and you are just an average citizen with no lawful authority and you might just find yourself waking up in an ambulance. If you’re lucky.

      A gentleman earlier had a good point also… once you bust that window to rescue Fluffy, what next? Many animals in distress will attack – even a loved one. If you aren’t prepared to wrangle a scared animal who can and will shred you I’d highly suggest letting “the professionals” handle it.

      • Avatar Of D. B.

        D. B.

        says:

        I live in NC. Just prior to this law proposal, I went inside a well known store to report a dog in a hot car. The security guard said they were not allowed to page over the intercom system to reach the owner. he would not walk around to ask customers, and he would not check on the dog in the car, then or in a while.
        A friend of mine called the police to report a dog in a hot car. Dispatch said it was not an emergency, and other calls would take priority. he then called AC. they said they did not have enough personnel to send someone immediately. thirty minutes passed before official help arrived.

      • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

        Rock Rockefeller

        says:

        Thanks E Tilton, well said.

      • Avatar Of Bob B

        Bob B

        says:

        This is a very well thought out response and it does sound like the law will require an authorized person to break the window. Well said. Thanks for actually thinking things through instead of taking the hillbilly route and responding with “I’d shoot your ass!” like some other commenters.

  60. Avatar Of Linda

    linda

    says:

    North Carolina, nice going to get animals out of hot cars, now pass a law to stop gassing them to death!!!

    • Avatar Of Bob B

      Bob B

      says:

      A nice thought, but there’s no money or space to care for them. The people at fault are the morons who buy dogs without being able or willing to make the lifelong commitment they’re signing up for. Then, they dump the poor creature on the shelter to be cared for on the taxpayers’ money, which is limited. The shelters aren’t the problem. The irresponsible dog buyers are.

    • Avatar Of Mostlyharmles

      Mostlyharmles

      says:

      Stop making animals nobody wants.

  61. Avatar Of Mary Anne Gardner

    Mary Anne Gardner

    says:

    So happy to hear this, good work!!!

  62. Avatar Of Tom

    Tom

    says:

    I can just see all the busy bodies wringing their hands now in anticipation of being able to overreact.

  63. Avatar Of Reuben Reuben says:

    Finally, something has gone right in North Carolina!

  64. Avatar Of Minna Koltes

    Minna Koltes

    says:

    WELL DONE, NC!!! 🙂

  65. Avatar Of Karen H

    Karen H

    says:

    Thank you NC! Now lets get the rest of the STATES and CANADA, on board to eradicate the deaths of dogs and kids due to ignorance and stupidity of HUMAN beings!!Even one minute is a hot car can due irreparable damage or death!

  66. Avatar Of Peter

    Peter

    says:

    “I broke the window to rescue his dog, but it ran away as soon as I opened the door. His smart phone must have just fallen into my pocket while I was helping the dog get out.”

    • Avatar Of Robert

      Robert

      says:

      oh yeah and I saw there was a gun under the seat and since the dog was gone I picked the gun up so no one else would take it and then I accidently had it discharge into this persons chest so I threw it in the dumpster.I hope that guy doesn’t spend to much time in prison,I guess I will go ahead and use that wallet with ID I found of his cause he won’t need it for awhile!

  67. Avatar Of Gary

    Gary

    says:

    Law or no law, the dog will come out of the hot car. I do not care what state I am in. It won’t be the first time nor will it be the last.

    • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

      Rock Rockefeller

      says:

      Hey Gary, bang bang ifin your about to break anything of mine. Now go mind your own biz and I’ll handle mine, unlessin you want to go change yer mind. effin idiot……..

  68. Avatar Of Marita Powell

    Marita Powell

    says:

    Wish they would pass this here in Oregon. Just this afternoon, found a beagle locked in a black truck……in the sun…..waited 10 minutes then called the police…….owner came out before cops got there….unlocked door….picked up the poop in the front seat…..locked door….walking back into store….asked what he was doing…told to mind my own f**ing business……cops showed up….gave a warning……big deal. What can I do????Laws need to change.

  69. Avatar Of Cyndy Livingston

    cyndy livingston

    says:

    how do we get our state to do this?

  70. Avatar Of Scott

    Scott

    says:

    … if only someone would leave Pat McCrory in a hot car. A complete ass hat he is.

  71. Avatar Of Reney

    Reney

    says:

    i am glad that they passed this law. When it is really hot, will not take my Baby with me, unless it is just to run into the gas station for something, and then when i do, I leave the car running turn the AC on high, crack all the windows, and i make sure i am right back. But if i am going shopping or a place where i know its going to take me while inside, he stays home. I hate leaving him at home but i know its better that way.

  72. Avatar Of Lynn Lynn says:

    “…49 more states” PLUS the District of Columbia.

  73. Avatar Of Terry

    Terry

    says:

    Well that’s cool. Do bad they don’t care as much about women as they do dogs.

    • Avatar Of Hank In Nc

      Hank in NC

      says:

      Your statement is untrue and unfounded. Our society and legal system favor women over men in every way. More protections, an elevated position, high bias in divorce settlements, custody of children, exemption from the draft (when we had one), lighter maximum weight carrying limit at work, 1500 federal programs such as WIC, state programs, etc. All designed to help “helpless” women. Women have more privilege and power than men ever dreamed of. If a man commits a crime, the system will punish him. If a woman does so, she can get away with murder by claiming PMS. pre-PSM, post PMS, spousal abuse, childhood abuse, Twinkies (first introduced by a man) and all sorts of other excuses and get off. Women can kill their unborn with impunity, yet if a man kills …

      “They” do care about women. Enough to make fools of themselves. Enough that Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year on the phone lines. More money is spent on flowers for women all year long than women ever thought about giving to men (or any other gift, either). Men still pay for dates, give diamonds to women for engagement and anniversaries, provide for their welfare, give them cars, pay their rent, have sex with the man on top doing all the work. Who are you kidding, every day and in every way, they care about women. An old saying, “Women have all the pussy and half of the money.” And rest assured, “they” care about both.

      • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

        Rock Rockefeller

        says:

        Amen Hank. Tell it all brother. Men are the most discriminated people on this planet yet we bring in 80% of the dough. Women, who woulda thunk it.

  74. Avatar Of Amber

    Amber

    says:

    Why all the arguing back and forth? It’s a law, abide by it and you have no problem. Same as with any other law.

    • Avatar Of Tom

      Tom

      says:

      It was already a law concerning leaving an animal in that situation. Now there is legal protection for authorities preventing a dog death.

    • Avatar Of Carol

      Carol

      says:

      Because there are zealots out there who will break windows when the dog is not even in danger!

  75. Avatar Of Midge

    Midge

    says:

    The way I read it…it does NOT say “John Q Public” has the right to break in, it says, “…will allow not only police officers, but also firefighters, animal control officers, and other rescue workers to take necessary action in saving an animal’s life.”

    No one should leave their pet in the car in “warm” weather let alone “HOT” weather! Leave them at home!!! I read a couple posts of people leaving their cars running with the A/C on. I’m from SC and according to SC Law 56-5-2570 “No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key and effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.

    Here’s a video by a vet that actually shows him sitting in the car as your pet would, and how the temp goes up drastically in a very short period of time. Definitely worth a look….and THEN tell me leaving the dog in there is “loving them like my children”. NOT! youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JbOcCQ-y3OY

    • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

      Rock Rockefeller

      says:

      Midge, you sir are a dork by any means. Now go play with your badge, it’s so shiny!

  76. Avatar Of Heather

    Heather

    says:

    What about cats? I know people that leave their cats in a carrier in the car. Heck I know an older woman who puts her cats in a carrier and then puts them in the trunk of her car when it’s colder outside to haul them to and from the vet.

  77. Avatar Of Crystal

    Crystal

    says:

    OR!!!! Get a copy of your car key made so you can leave the A/C on! Never leave your dog in a hot car! WTF is wrong with people!!!! Seriously

  78. Avatar Of Eileen Sedlacek

    Eileen Sedlacek

    says:

    Well…those of you who put the price of a window above a pet that loves you need to be whipped.. This will put a stop to people taking their dogs with them on hot days and leaving them in a car..even with the windows down it gets too hot…they don’t deserve to die like that… : (. Help them not hurt them)

  79. Avatar Of Bill

    Bill

    says:

    I leave my dog in the car with the windows 1/2 down, open ice chest with ice, ice bag in towel and ice water, oh yea parked in shade

  80. Avatar Of Cynthia

    Cynthia

    says:

    so, lets move beyond breaking the windows out. take the example given by Dawn above. had the police shown up before the owner did and this law was in effect and this incident was in NC. They would have broken into the vehicle to remove the animals. From the dogs point of view, yes they were hot and still able to bark it sounds like, but now here is the strange person they do not know coming into their area and they bite the people that are trying to help them, and it could be a big dog at that. what then? who is responsible then? lets say this person fell behind in getting the dog’s rabies vaccination and/or booster shots. what then? dog is safe, yeah!!

    so now, we have a safe dog, a bitten police officer, an angry owner, repair bills for the window, fines? what else?

    there is the possibility, however remote, unless the dog is on its very last legs, that it will try to defend itself and its property when its cornered. and when someone has broken into its car, even in an attempt to save it, it may try to defend itself and cause some damage. what then? who will be held responsible?

    Im not against this (at least most of it), I just want the persons to be of the right mindset before going in, that’s all.

    • Avatar Of Tim

      Tim

      says:

      Distress, great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble.
      2.
      a state of extreme necessity or misfortune.
      That would mean the animal is unable to attack a police officer or anyone else that is trying to help. Its not rocket science people!!! It is simple DON’T LEAVE YOU ANIMALS IN THE CAR WHEN ITS 80, 90 OUT SIDE! Or the police, animal control will get your dog in any means necessary.

    • Avatar Of Celeste

      Celeste

      says:

      Or, the dog is freaking out and bites the cop and…oops, it’s a Pit Bull or a Doberman… guess what? Now, because you wanted to save this dog, you’ve signed it’s death warrant. Use some common sense, people. I love this law for the fact that animals who are truly in trouble can get help easier, BUT I think crazy people will take it too far or not read all the wording and it will cause problems.

      Also, I wonder how many of you would go through so much trouble to help a child in need. I wonder how many of you are for late-term abortion? How many of you think it’s okay to dismember a baby because it’s “unborn”. I wish people would show the same outrage for babies as they do Chihuahuas.

    • Avatar Of Hank In Nc

      Hank in NC

      says:

      So do I. Its called common sense.

  81. Avatar Of Marcus Marcus says:

    My worry is that crooked cops will use pets in the car as an excuse for warrantless car searches. But otherwise good law.

  82. Avatar Of Dawn Dawn says:

    I went to a local retail store today (Farm and Fleet). It was 80 degrees outside. When I pulled into the parking lot, I heard dogs crying. I looked and 2 lanes over there was a vehicle with 2 dogs in it, with the windows barely cracked. It is a statistical fact that vehicles, even with the windows cracked are at a minimum – in the high 90’s when it’s 80 degrees outside. And now you have the sun on the vehicle to make it even worse. I went inside the store, but no one really seemed to want to help. Finally one of the store customer service people paged for the person by stating the make, model and license plate of the vehicle. I’m not sure how anyone could hear the page it was so quiet. No one came forward… now, about 10 minutes have gone by and I’m standing in front of the doors closest to main street, and finally the store manager came over and asked if he could help me. I told him what was going on. I told him that the customer service people only paged once, and I told him the dogs were suffering. His response was “I don’t know what you want us to do about it”. I was now livid. How could anyone allow that to happen? So, I told him he lost my business, and that I was calling the police. By now, another 5 minutes have gone by. I got to my car and called 911. Within a couple minutes more, the owner of the vehicle finally came out and opened his back door to put his purchases in his vehicle. I told him that the store tried to page him and that the police were on the way. His response was “well I just stopped in”. Yeah, right. Over 15 minutes that man left those dogs suffering in his car and he showed absolutely no concern. To know that people have dogs, who don’t deserve them, breaks my heart. I think the laws need to change. I think that if someone takes photos – don’t forget the license plate (time stamped showing how long the dog(s) are in the car) OR takes a video for even more proof, and be sure to take a photo of the driver getting in the vehicle with the dog(s), that should be enough to charge the driver with cruelty to animals. Repeated offense? Make the fines much stiffer, or better yet, include jail time. How many animals have to suffer or die before something changes?
    PLEASE SHARE – EVEN IF IT STOPS JUST ONE PERSON FROM LEAVING THEIR DOG(S) IN A HOT CAR.

    • YES it always takes more than “a few minutes”. What feels like a very short time to someone in an air conditioned store looking around for a few items can be excruciating inside the car in the summer. STOP DOING IT PEOPLE! Concerned people are going to be excessive and break your window after 3 minutes? You are likely one of the offenders and l suggest you try a stopped locked car in the sun for a minimum of 10 minutes.

      • Avatar Of Phyllis

        Phyllis

        says:

        We don’t have enough room in the jails for the REAL CRIMINALS, such as murders, rapists, and drug dealers. I have worked at prisons/jails before there is no room for these people.

        • Avatar Of Hank In Nc

          Hank in NC

          says:

          Yes we do have room — in their hot cars.

        • Avatar Of Dennis Gannon

          Dennis Gannon

          says:

          On this statement I would agree.

          Instead of Jail Time, which is apt to make the Jackass that committed the offense angry, and I pity the dog or any animal when they are released.

          I have always proposed life altering fines. Say $5000.00 for the first offense and no jail time. If you don’t have the money the
          State would be glad to give you enough Community Service so you can
          eventually pay off the fine.

          The Community Service should not be around animals, you have proven that you can’t be trusted around animals.

          But there are Lakes, and Rivers, and Roadsides that need litter picked up. Public Rest Rooms run by the State you can clean.
          Parks that need litter picked up.

          We call this “Shovel Ready Jobs For Criminals”.

          Start liking it.

    • Avatar Of Debbi

      Debbi

      says:

      I agree. NO DOG should be left in a car whether or not the air conditioning is on. If you go to a pet friendly store, take your dog.
      If you’re not, leave it home in a cool house. Its not fair to the dog.
      My baby always wants to go for a ride when I get my keys. If I can’t take her cause its a food store or dr. I tell her “next trip”. and I’ll be back in a little bit. Not that she knows, but at least she knows she was told
      something. KMART IS NOT PET FRIENDLY, PETCO, PETSMART LOVE PETS, WALMART AND MARSHALLS AND TJ MAX ALLOW PETS. JUST KEEP THEM ON A LEASE, AND A BLANKET TO PUT ON THE BOTTOM OF THE CART, AND ITS ALL GOOD. AT HOME DEPOT, THE GIRL CAME OVER WITH A PIECE OF CARDBOARD, AND PUT IT IN THE CART AS I DID NOT HAVE HER BLANKET. YEA FOR PET FRIENDLY STORES! OUR PETS ARE LIKE OUR CHILDREN (TO SOME) AND SHOULD BE RESPECTED AND ALLOWED IN THE STORE. IF YOU DON’T LET MY PET COME IN, I WON’T COME IN,,,UNLESS ITS A FOOD STORE OR RESTAURANT-AND THATS FOR SANITARY REASONS. BUT IF I SEE A DOG IN A PARKED CAR, I WILL CALL POLICE. WAIT 5 MIN, AND IF NO RESPONSE, GUESS WHAT??? YOU GOT IT! THEN THE DOG WILL GO TO THE PD WITH ME….SHAME ON BAD OWNERS!!!!

    • Avatar Of Elle

      elle

      says:

      good comment about pictures with time stamp! took my dogs to camp bowwow yest.. left them in the car while I carried the blanket from home, the cooling pad, their own dish and a bottle of ice water in. car running with a/c on . I was gone for 2 minutes.. they were already panting.. this is Az where at 0900 it is already 90 degrees. don’t tell me dogs can’t overheat in 10 minutes.. they pant and loose heat through their paws. their mouths get dry from the panting so water is absolutely necessary. by the way my car was parked 10 feet from the front door so I KNOW it was 2 minutes! most of the time it takes 10 minutes to get through a checkout line after you have run around the store looking for 0ne item that turns in to 10..JUST DON’T DO IT. Leave them home.
      You cook brain cells even if your don’t kill them. AND while I am thinking about it walk around in the bed of your pick up truck for a couple of minutes bare foot and think about what your dogs paws feel like when you put them back there.

    • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

      Rock Rockefeller

      says:

      OK gay-boy. Lets just play-pretend the owner gets jail time. Then what? The dog gets slaughtered in the animal shelter. Feel justified now? Or is it that only the authorities can decide the fate of an animal? Effin idiot.

      • Avatar Of Dennis Gannon

        Dennis Gannon

        says:

        No jail time bonehead.

        Instead, $5000.00 fine for the first offense, most States can use the money. Perhaps they can earmark it for the local Humane Society.

        As for the dog, I would hope that once you prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are too brain dead to be a responsible pet owner, the Humane Society will take the animal off your hands.

        Just like a drug bust, anything that is involved in the crime becomes property of the State, like your car.

        You get your license back when you have completed your Community Service and paid your fine.

        See? No jail time. It’s all good.

  83. Avatar Of Judgex

    JudgeX

    says:

    It sounds like people are so self-righteous themselves that they fear others might be equally out to prove something by breaking their windows with whatever excuse they have.

    If you assume other people will abuse a law or ordnance to the letter of the law against you, you’re either paranoid or that’s what you do yourself to others. If you are the kind of person who calls to report an overgrown yard when your neighbor is on vacation, you deserve to have your car windows (and teeth) knocked out on the most minor technicality – because that’s what you’re doing to others.

    You deserve what you condone.

    If you’re just crazy paranoid and think there are dog lovers tossing hammers into their cars and roving about town looking for locked up dogs, the reality of the situation is that the most these people would usually do is bring along some cold water to share with your dog through a cracked window, and maybe give you a piece of their mind when you got back to the car. If your window got busted out and there was an animal in the car, I’d guess you deserved it 99 times out of 100, and that one you didn’t deserve was a reasonable misunderstanding.

    Cynthia and April sound like they don’t appreciate the idea of people protecting the lives of animals that probably wouldn’t otherwise be okay.

    • Avatar Of Gayle

      Gayle

      says:

      JudgeX,You ROCK!!!

    • Avatar Of Michael Michael says:

      I had this just happen to me: The car was running, the AC on at 72 degrees, the windows much cooler to touch, at the farmers market, I would come back every 15 minutes to make sure it was all good, when I was finished there were people around my car telling me they were going to break in. My dog was totally relaxed until everyone was at the windows and she kept barking at them.
      I was told I am an asshole and not from around there, and where ever I am from everyone is an asshole.
      I chose to wait for animal control and the police who assured me I did nothing wrong! All the people wanting to break into my car were angry with me and expected me to apologize to them!

      • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

        Rock Rockefeller

        says:

        Sounds like a “gang related attack” against you Michael. Once again, law enforcement is blind to the bigger problem. There is no such thing as an “Educated Law Enforcement Officer”, just ones with common sense.

  84. Avatar Of Justyna

    Justyna

    says:

    I don’t understand… What did police officers previously do in such situations? This is clearly a life-threatening situation, it is their responsibility to rescue the animal. They need some special new regulations for that? Disturbing.

  85. Avatar Of Cynthia

    Cynthia

    says:

    no, because I take care of my dogs and would not leave them in that situation in the first place. I think more of them than that, they ARE my children!!! so yes I feel I can make that statement. I travel all over the country, in all types of weather conditions with my dogs. I am prepared for most things, hot & cold, sickness, etc. I have vets on speed dial. All Im saying is that this will open the door for ppl to “think” they are doing a good thing when maybe in reality they went overboard and had no justification in the first place. that’s why I said that I hope the “concerned persons” that will now be on the lookout will know what the warning signs of real distress are and not just on a witch hunt for a dog in a vehicle.

  86. Avatar Of Kathy

    Kathy

    says:

    Seriously, Cynthia? The law goes too far because it allows for taking whatever action is necessary to save an animal in distress?

    Selfish much?

    Maybe you should leave a sign on your car saying if someone breaks your window to save your dogs you’ll make them pay for the damage – after you pick up your dogs at the local police department.

    Dog not in distress? You feel like you might be inconvenienced because of this law? Do you honestly think one broken window in your vehicle is a greater loss than the loss of a dog, or other pet, that is suffering from hyperthemia?

    • Avatar Of April

      April

      says:

      Umm…it should be expected that if you break someone’s property you will pay for it. Should I put signs on all of my things just in case some idiot decides to break it? Should I wear signs on my arm in case someone decides to break it? Vandalism is already against the law. And I don’t think you understand how expensive windows are, especially if someone is breaking into your window on a false alarm. Just cause a dog’s in the car doesn’t mean it’s dying, gee whiz. Go ahead and break a person’s window (do you know how expensive those things are?!) on a false assumption. Go do it, see if the owner makes you pay or not. I can guarantee that they’ll be more than pissed at you.

      • Avatar Of Dexter

        Dexter

        says:

        Let set you in a car on a smokin hot day and see how you like it.

        • Avatar Of Charlie

          Charlie

          says:

          I drive around in a car with no AC, sit in traffic, and stop at the red lights. Even did it for a whole summer where my front windows wouldn’t open on top of the busted AC. My dog rode with me everywhere, even to work. I crawled around in attics for hours at a time, then got right back in the hot-ass car. It wasn’t fun, I’m still alive to tell about it… Drink water, and make sure waters available for them if you have to leave them for any amount of time. What this article does not, and I haven’t read too many comments that say anything about it either, is that ‘common sense’ is required to determine whether an animal is truly endangered by being in the vehicle, or just uncomfortable. You know what they say about assuming, it makes an ass of u & me. Being uncomfortable is not the same as being endangered. If the dog can get up and look at you, and bark, or wag its tail, dance around the vehicle.. then it’s not dying. Yet. That would be when I would start watching the clock, if the owner does not show up by the time the dog starts looking like it needs help, then that would be where the common sense kicks in, and I do something about it, like calling the authorities. It might not be thrilled to be hot, but it doesn’t mean it’s dying (dogs can survive in deserts too). 10-15 minutes in 102º with nothing but the windows isn’t fun, but lets be serious, it isn’t going to kill you either. Private citizens have no right to damage another persons vehicle period. That’s there there’s laws against it. Go inside, page the owner bring it to their attention… Call the cops… Call the Fire Department… whatever you gotta do… but make damned well sure you’re in the right before you do so. Because you know what they say about assuming…

          • Avatar Of Gary

            Gary

            says:

            Dogs can’t take the heat that a human can take. There temps go up quickly and at far less than what you can stand a dog will have a heat stroke. You’re an idiot and should not be allowed to own a dog. Dogs will wag that tail right up until they pass out, it’s their nature.

          • Avatar Of Lauraie

            LAURAIE

            says:

            Charlie, you & the rest of the plp who think it’s fine to leave an animal in a hot vehicle just goes to show what an IDIOT you all are!!!

          • Avatar Of Joanie

            joanie

            says:

            Charlie, people like you scare me! other uninformed people will read your post and think you are correct. Dogs don’t sweat like humans do, therefore they are more sensitive to the heat. Dogs have fur coats! I doubt you were wearing one in the attic. Also, dogs with short muzzles are at more risk for respitory (sp?) distress. Dogs and people are not the same! I’m going to look up the desert thing. I have an idea its not quite how you picture it. You sound like a very unpleasant man.

          • Avatar Of Mk

            mk

            says:

            It may be 102 outside, but inside the car it’s 180. If you wait until the dog APPEARS to be in distress it is too late. They will already have internal organ failure and brain damage.

          • Avatar Of Lori Stevens Lori Stevens says:

            You are incorrect about your assumption that 102 for 10 minutes is just hot. It is sweltering and could kill your dog in a heartbeat. An 80 degree car in 10 minutes can get up to 110 degrees. Watch the youtube video of the veterinarian that sat in his car for 20 minutes to make that point. Just because your dog hasn’t distressed yet doesn’t mean that it won’t. Why take a chance!

          • Avatar Of Hank In Nc

            Hank in NC

            says:

            Charlie,

            Apparently you have no understanding of the difference between human and animal physiology or appreciation for the difference in abilities to know what to do or to have the ability to end suffering. For example, when you are in a hot attic, you know when your nearing your limit and you know what to do to escape the uncomfortable or even dangerous conditions. Dogs have none of these abilities. They are at the mercy (or lack there of) of their masters. Shame on your ignorance and your attitude.

            I once had occasion to see two long furred dogs clearly in distress – hot summer day, in a pick up, windows up. One was already down on the floor and the other was barking and panting with saliva dripping from its tongue. I went inside the air conditioned grocery store and asked management to page the owner. After about 10 minutes, he showed up. When I asked him to relieve his dogs from the heat, he got very belligerent and threatened me with a pipe he had pulled from a tool box. All while the windows were still up and without any actions to help his dogs. He was so irate, that someone called the police. Lucky for his dogs, the police showed up within about two minutes. Luck for him too, as I was armed and ready to defend my life, if necessary.

            So Charlie, do your dogs a favor and take better care in the heat. Do yourself a favor and avoid broken windows and …

      • Avatar Of Carol

        carol

        says:

        its hardly vandalism saving a pet…. get real…even if was a false assumption its better to be safe than sorry…
        tho on the other hand.. pets should never be left in hot vehicles ever….

        • Avatar Of Charlie

          Charlie

          says:

          “you’re an IDIOT”.

          My, my, what a well thought out rebuttal…

          Let’s say your child puked all over their clothes while you were on the way to grandma’s house, and you couldn’t turn around, and you didn’t have a change of clothes with. The store doesn’t allow animals, you don’t have someone to watch your dog outside, and you now have a stinking crying kid now needing to get cleaned up. What do you do? Do you abandon your visit, and return home, or do you drive your now miserable child the rest of the way to your destination as is, or do you hustle in, and hustle out, as fast as possible?

          I agree that if you KNOW you are going to a place that you can’t take your dog ahead of time, that you shouldn’t take them with.

          But there’s time’s where shit happens, and you have no choice but to get in, and get out as fast as possible.

          Whenever possible, I know I would opt to leash my dog to a post outside the door, or under a tree while I ran inside, if it was safe to do so… but then you also have to worry about someone stealing your dog, your dog biting a stranger, or random people doing things like kicking your dog.

          It’s easy to judge other people when you don’t have all the details involved in their doings. The point still remains that people should use common sense, and not be so quick to jump on other people.

          Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. I’m never thrilled about having to leave my dog anywhere, but sometimes 5-10 minutes in the car leashed to the seat with the windows down is safer than the alternatives.

    • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

      Rock Rockefeller

      says:

      Grow up Kathy, not down. jeeeeeez people…….

  87. Avatar Of Cynthia

    Cynthia

    says:

    I just hope the “concerned persons” that are breaking the windows knows what a true animal in distress looks/sounds like. I had a idiot, yes idiot, report me because my dog was barking. Nevermind, I was parked in the shade, windows were halfway down and there was a fan blowing on them and the 3 other dogs in the truck were asleep. She was barking because I left her!!! thankfully the guards on the property thought otherwise and did nothing and this was at a dog show event. some idiots think any animal left in a vehicle is in distress. yes there are exception to every rule, but if someone breaks my window out, they better be prepared to pay for repairs. yes I live in NC and some of this bill really went way too far. I am disappointed with some of it.

    • Avatar Of Dar

      Dar

      says:

      Cynthia, if you notice it says…”will allow not only police officers, but also firefighters, animal control officers, and other rescue workers to take necessary action in saving an animal’s life. Nowhere does it say “the public”. I would think that our first responders would be able to determine whether an animal is in distress or not!

      • Avatar Of Renee

        Renee

        says:

        If you don’t want windows broke. Leave your animals home. No need to have them out in this heat. So what you had a fan blowing on them. Did you have a bowl of ice water? Dought it?…

        • Avatar Of Celeste

          Celeste

          says:

          I think your comment should read “If you don’t want your windows broken, leave your animals at home.” You should also use a question mark when writing a question. Oh, and the word is spelled “Doubt”. Just to help you out, there…

          And if you find an animal in distress, call 911, don’t go breaking windows on your own, or you will be financially responsible.

          • Avatar Of Jeff

            Jeff

            says:

            Auto Insurance covers broken windows. It doesn’t cover stupidity.

          • Avatar Of John

            John

            says:

            Hope you have a good response time from emergency services. By the time they get there, the animal could be dead.

          • Avatar Of Sway

            sway

            says:

            Thank you for correcting his/her grammar. Without your help, I never could have understood what he/she was saying. :eyeroll:

          • Avatar Of Tina

            Tina

            says:

            If I see an animal in distress, I WILL break a window. I am not going to waste precious time and allow that animal to suffer by calling someone and waiting for them to get there to help that animal! If you can’t properly care for an animal, don’t get one. Those babies are helpless and totally dependent on us to keep them safe, and leaving an animal in a car on a hot day (I don’t care if you leave the window cracked, in the shade, with a fan and a bowl of water) is irresponsible and shows you really don’t care about the well-being of that animal. Think of that poor baby as a 3-month old child. Are you going to leave a helpless 3-year old child in a car, alone on a hot day? I certainly hope not. However, I have noticed countless idiots doing just that. I would love it if they would pass a law that made these losers have to sit inside a car in the same conditions and for the same amount of time (unable to open the doors and let themselves out)that they put these babies through. Put yourselves in their paws…they are helpless! The inside of a car on an 80 degree day can heat up to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes. I will do whatever I have to do to save any animal and I don’t care if I have to get locked up to do it, even though it should be the idiots who are abusing their animals who should be locked up.

          • Avatar Of Lou

            Lou

            says:

            God save us from those who think they’re perfect. Can you say sanctimonious? Did I spell that right teacher?

          • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

            Rock Rockefeller

            says:

            Wow Celeste! I’ll bet you’re real popular with the boys! With all that spellin nowlege and all. That makes you the REAL authority on animal abuse! Hey, come by later and we can talk about self defenses n stuff! Love ya sweetiy!

        • Avatar Of Tea

          Tea

          says:

          While I don’t condone leaving dogs *trapped* in a car, if you would read the statement to which you replied “leave them at home”, you will see that the poster was AT a DOG show event. Perhaps her dogs were participating in the dog show? She couldn’t well leave them at home if they were show participants, now could she?

          True we don’t know the whole story, but considering the shade, windows down and fan (and hoping she had just run in to sign them in or something and was coming right back), I think there are many OTHER incidents about which we could all be up in arms, rather than this one.

        • Avatar Of James M

          James M

          says:

          Your write? Y wood NE1 nead 2 yous proper grahmer! Shorley U kan steel phigure ought wat I em saing.

      • Avatar Of Gary

        Gary

        says:

        Hope you’re prepared for the ramifications of leaving the animal(s) in the vehicle. I notice you don’t mention what the temp. was. I seriously doubt the windows were half way down either. A dog can’t take anywhere near the heat that a human can. The dog will have a heat stroke even when the temp outside is just in the 80’s, it can be well over 100 in the vehicle, even with the windows open a few inches. If you really care about your pets, leave them at home. A sad face when you close the door will be a happy one when you return. It could be a dead one when you return to your hot car.

    • Avatar Of Carla Villarreal

      Carla Villarreal

      says:

      You’re very defensive of a law put in place to protect animal welfare. Just don’t leave your dogs in a hot car, shade or not. If it were me, I’d break your window. Try and get me to pay for repairs! Hahahaha… NOT!

      • Avatar Of Gayle

        Gayle

        says:

        I agree with you all! I will break any window out that has an animal in it in this heat! YES,Cynthia, I am a concerned person!!!

      • Avatar Of John

        John

        says:

        Yeah. My window would be the one for you to break. After that, you would decide it just wasn’t worth it.

        • Avatar Of Robert

          Robert

          says:

          cudos John,most of these people probably aren’t even pet owners and they would hold the US army in contempt for running a dog in the desert without the ac on.

      • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

        Rock Rockefeller

        says:

        Hey Carla, after you are shot to death in self defense for breaking in to their vehicle, I’d petition the court against your estate for damages. Hahahaha. Idiot

    • Avatar Of Dexter

      Dexter

      says:

      You would probably be screaming bloody murder if something happened to one of your pets and no one stepped up to help them…get real…a piece of glass or your animals welfare. Pug lease. I’d smash your window in a New York minute

      • Avatar Of Rock Rockefeller

        Rock Rockefeller

        says:

        Hey Dexter, grow one. You aint gonna break anything, not in North Carolina anyway. Shut your New York yap. Hey look, there’s a poodle out the window needin a blow job because he’s hot! (snicker)

    • Avatar Of Nancy

      Nancy

      says:

      I left my 2 little 4leggers in my car one time for about 10 minutes and when came back the law was already there and writing the woman that had called in a ticket for a false police contact..
      You see it 102F outside.. The woman didn’t take into mind that I had left the engine running with the Air conditioner on and my husband was standing 3 cars down talking to a friend..
      They told her that the next time she did call to make sure that she needed to call or she would hauled into jail….

      • Avatar Of Jeff

        Jeff

        says:

        That lady was an idiot. Anyone with half a brain would notice the car running.

      • Avatar Of Michael Michael says:

        I had this just happen to me! The car was running, the AC on at 72 degrees, the windows much cooler to touch, at the farmers market, I would come back every 15 minutes to make sure it was all good, when I was finished there were people around my car telling me they were going to break in. My dog was totally relaxed until everyone was at the windows and she kept barking at them.
        I was told I am an asshole and not from around there, and where ever I am from everyone is an asshole.
        I chose to wait for animal control and the police who assured me I did nothing wrong! All the people wanting to break into my car were angry with me and expected me to apologize to them!

        • Avatar Of Orn

          orn

          says:

          And if they were in such distress they’d not be barking, they’d be panting. People don’t know the ordinances in their own counties/states.

          • Avatar Of Terrie

            Terrie

            says:

            Having worked in a veterinarian lab and seeing animals that have died from heat exhaustion (and ignorant people), your comment shows you do not know a lot about animal behavior. They do not always bark or pant. A case in point happened several years ago. A show dog trainer driving an owner’s dog to a show in Arizona didn’t know the animal was in distress until she arrived at her destination. By then, the dog had died, cooked internally by the heat. She had her windows open and thought it would be enough. The dog did not bark to let her know it was in trouble. This is just one situation I’ve heard about and, no, it did not happen in the summer Arizona heat, but in the cooler spring months.

        • Avatar Of Laura S

          laura s

          says:

          i usually leave the a/c on for my dogs with the car running when i have to stop somewhere on the way to/back from hiking – i really hope some well-meaning person doesn’t try to break my window and then get attacked by my dogs!

      • Avatar Of Orn

        orn

        says:

        She was probably ranting and raving about it too. It probably wasn’t the first time these officers have encountered her calls that they deemed unnecessary to be called out on.

    • Avatar Of Shawn

      Shawn

      says:

      Sorry Cynthia- in no way is this bill “way too far”. No animal should be left in the heat- I don’t care about fans or water. If I saw an animal in distress I would break the window (and yes I see this reads rescue personal- and I’m not) and I wouldn’t think twice about worrying about paying for repairs either.

      • Avatar Of Judyt

        Judyt

        says:

        I have rescued animals for years, and I would break a window to rescue a furkid from a hot car in a heartbeat! Cynthia: you were at a dog show: so you must be a breeder. You of all people should applaud this law if you truly care about animals. Or are they just a way for you to make money?

    • Avatar Of Deb

      Deb

      says:

      If you’re animal is in distress and I have to break your window to save it, I have no problem leaving you the cash and taking the dog. Seems like a fair trade to me.

    • Avatar Of Cassandra

      Cassandra

      says:

      I would gladly break out windows to save an animal, and have done so in the past. When it comes to a life left it the car you cannot wait for the officials to “come to the rescue”.

    • Avatar Of Beth Davis Beth Davis says:

      Well maybe take your dogs with you or leave them home…I take 4-5 dogs to each dog show the go in a large crate..with 2 fans..cool coats, damp bedding if its warm..if its to warm for that… they stay home..I think you have to rethink taking your dogs and leaving them in cars..situations can change when your not there..really try to reconsider that…many people thought their dogs were JUST FINE…they weren’t..this is why the legislation..if your worried..leave them home!!!

      • Avatar Of Maria West

        Maria West

        says:

        Great law BUT EMT, police, firefighter have to much already with humans dying, I think store manager and adverge person should be able to bust windows, the time it takes for others to respond is based on local issues, example robbery, forest fire, person having stroke, by time help comes pet would be dead.

    • Avatar Of Bill Billio

      bill billio

      says:

      @ cynthia….WOW!! You really think that “leaving the windows partly open and a fan blowing” is the proper thing to do ? Why would you leave an unattended animal/s in your vehicle? Shame on you,it is you who is THE IDIOT !

    • Avatar Of Robert

      Robert

      says:

      Cynthia, I don’t know why some people think it would be ok to bust a window out either.Now you have animals in broken glass possibly freaked out trying to escape,maybe jumps out runs in front of a vehical killing the animal,causing an accident,maybe even endangering others,running away,and the list goes on.What is wrong with calling authorities and letting them handle the situation? I think this is what they get paid for!I think some are too quick to make new laws without thinking about all the consequences.

    • Avatar Of Barb Barb says:

      If you have to leave your animals in the car during any season for any reason, then you need to leave them home.

    • Avatar Of Chris

      Chris

      says:

      I agree with you…There are some idiots that will take this too far…I would never leave my mastiff in distress in any situation. He LOVES going for rides in the car and when he does I leave all the windows half down and sun roof half open or leave the A/C on…Yet people walk by and start getting all upset in 60’s and 70’s! I also feel that with some dogs who are very territorial those people are putting there safety at risk because they are violently busting into that dogs space. My dog is not aggressive yet he will not allow someone to reach in to the car for any reason. In essence I can see this new law open up a huge can of worms for many people who are innocent of putting there animals at risk. I see it as an other way to tie up the courts.

    • Avatar Of Christine

      Christine

      says:

      If the dogs are not going to be with you, why not leave them home. Nobody that actually cares about there animal would take them with them in a car and then leave them in the car whether the windows are down, in the shade or not. It still gets hot in there. Now who is the idiot!

    • Avatar Of Cynthia

      Cynthia

      says:

      I would rather some mistakes happen than to have animals suffer and die because of someone like you. At a dog show event someone could have stolen your dogs to use as bait or just for torture. Have you bothered to research how quickly a car reaches high temperatures even when the windows are open? There is a YouTube blurb with a human that shows how quickly the temp raises in cars with the windows open, I would suggest you watch it and learn. your attitude is clearly that of a person that is a breeder that makes money on the pain of your animals, I feel sorry for your “pets”. I rescue animals from people like you on a regular bases and I know what they go through when you use them so you don’t have to have a real job, you should be ashamed. I bet not one of these poor animals is neutered or spayed and when you are done with the ones that don’t make money you will throw them away for people like me to find homes, the rescues are full because of people like you. Get a job, get a life, and think about the suffering you cause! You are the idiot, fans do not help, it was just on the news! As a rescuer/foster for animals that come from puppy mills and show dogs that don’t win you make me sick, get a life and stop living on the pain of animals!

      • Avatar Of Hank In Nc

        Hank in NC

        says:

        Cynthia,

        Wow! Lots of anger there Cynthia. Do you realize how many assumptions your are making and how much of your experiences you are projecting? Do you know the person to whom you refer (but fail to identify) is a breeder? No. Do you know that they are abusive?. No. Yes someone could have stolen the dogs, but they could have done that with the windows raised or lowered.

        I appreciate the work you do to rescue dogs, but please do yourself and others a favor and calm down a bit. You ask questions about the offender doing research. Have you? Sometimes it is necessary to leave animals in a vehicle. It’s better not to, of course, but life isn’t always what we want it to be. Taking precautions such parking in the shade (or better yet in a parking garage), windows lowered, or up with AC on(high)and plenty of fuel in the tank and with a bowl of water readily accessible can provide a safe haven for animals for a short period. Once again, thanks for all you and others do to rescue animals, but please lighten up a bit.

    • Avatar Of Orn

      orn

      says:

      Any animal control agency will tell you that there’s a lot of concerned citizens that will call without really realizing that it’s not an emergency.
      The bill, *if* signed by governor, is only for officers of organizations, not allowing the general public to break in.

    • Avatar Of Lori Stevens Lori Stevens says:

      I would not wait until the animal goes into distress. If I see an animal locked in a car on a hot day, he’s coming out of there. On a 80 degree day the inside of the car can get up to 110 in 10 minutes. Don’t take a chance.

  88. Avatar Of Donna

    Donna

    says:

    I pray other states follow. In just the past few DAYS, yes days there have been 50+ reports to our local police department of dogs being left in hot cars. One died the other day as an idiot left the dog in the car for 20 minutes so he could go in Wal-Mart. Oh but he left a bowl of water for the dog! Sick sick people. I would not mind getting in trouble as I will break a window or do whatever I have to .

  89. Avatar Of Reapr

    ReapR

    says:

    I hope this goes double for children as well. I dont care if it is 70 outside.. Ill bust the window out to save a child.

    • Avatar Of Jeff

      Jeff

      says:

      Don’t limit this to pets. No living being should be left in a car on a hot day.

    • Avatar Of Brooklyn Brooklyn says:

      I have never…in all my 43 years…seen a child too small to open a window or crack a door, left in a car. However, I see it with dogs constantly.

      • Avatar Of Lisa

        Lisa

        says:

        Generally, I would agree. Remember that some cars have power windows that can’t be opened when the car is off, and many parents have the child locks set on the doors so they are unable to open from the inside.
        The pets, though, clearly, are at a statistical disadvantage.

      • Avatar Of Kate

        Kate

        says:

        I have, and if they’re strapped in or if they are power windows it’s not like they can just get out or roll it down! But you see dog’s in hot cars more often. My husband just called the cops on someone yesterday! It was 98 degrees outside yesterday, can’t imagine how hot it got in that car before the cops got there. I might have broken the window, had I been there!

    • Avatar Of Maggie Crooks

      Maggie Crooks

      says:

      I agree. This should be a law for kids as well. Or for elderly.

    • Avatar Of Kel

      Kel

      says:

      AMEN I would do the same thing. My little guy is never alone in the car. one of us is always in the car with Max and we make sure he is cool with the A/C. always make sure they have water too.

  90. Avatar Of Arlien Kennedy

    Arlien Kennedy

    says:

    Way to go, NC!

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