Pa. ‘hot car bill' heading to full Senate
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTXF) - A Pennsylvania House bill aimed at protecting distressed dogs and cats from being left behind in hot cars is on its way to the full Senate for consideration.
House Bill 1216, also known as the Motor Vehicle Extreme Heat Protection Act, passed the House unanimously after being introduced by Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks) and Rep. Dom Costa (D-Allegheny).
On Tuesday, the bill was voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Now, it heads to the Senate chamber.
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Under the bill, a police officer or humane officer would be allowed to remove a dog or cat from an unattended vehicle--after a reasonable search for the vehicle's owner--if that officer believes the animal is suffering and endangered.
The officer would then be required to take the animal to a veterinary hospital or animal care clinic for a health screening and treatment.
"Twenty-five states have already passed similar laws to protect our animals from being left in hot cars," said Rep. Costa. "It is my hope that Pennsylvania follows suit."