Though we’re only two months into the new year, some states have passed or are considering passing legislation to help keep pets safer in vehicles. Georgia recently announced plans for proposing its own new law to protect animals left unattended in cars.
The bill
Senator Kay Kirkpatrick is spearheading efforts to implement the regulation. She is currently advocating for adding more language to an existing law that protects those who rescue unattended children from hot vehicles. This additional provision would protect individuals from a lawsuit in the likelihood that they broke into a vehicle to save an endangered pet.
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Additional protections
The new legislation also includes verbiage that would help reduce the chance that someone would use it as an excuse for breaking into a vehicle or kidnapping an animal. The proposed bill explicitly states that those who break into a vehicle to save a pet must call 911 to report the rescue.
The new legislation would protect not just Georgia residents. It would also safeguard local law enforcement officers who break into a vehicle to rescue an unattended pet.
A passion for pet safety
Kirkpatrick has a vested interest in protecting Georgia pets, particularly because she owns Dobie, a 14-year-old golden doodle therapy dog. The proposed law would protect all pets in the state, including those used as service or support animals. That way, pets stay safe as they enjoy road-tripping with their owners.
Stay tuned for more details in the days ahead as the Peach State considers adopting this new legislation. In the meantime, review these tips for what to do if you come across an unattended pet.
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News Source: WHNT.com
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