Authorities in Pennsylvania are no eligible to break into cars to rescue animals thanks to the new law.
The Act 104 of 2018 went into effect Monday, It was signed by Gov. Tim Wolf in October.
The legislation allows police and humane officers new powers in saving the lives of innocent animals left alone in extremely hot vehicles.
The law protects pets by establishing the following:
Officers can remove dogs or cats from an unattended motor vehicle if they believe the animal is in imminent danger after a reasonable search for the car owner.
Requires that an officer who removes a pet from an unattended vehicle must leave a note for the owner, with the officer’s information and where the pet can be picked up.
Updating the definition of neglect — prohibiting the confinement of a dog or cat in an unattended motor vehicle in a manner that would endanger the health and well-being of the animal.
The law also protects officers who remove a pet from an unattended vehicle from liability for any damages.
The law does not apply to private citizens who break into cars in the name of animal rescue.
The act is the second major piece of legislation signed by Wolf that increases animal protections.
