In Massachusetts, do you want to leave your dog in a frigid car? You might want to reconsider.
A few calls of pets left in cars while their owners are out dining or shopping have been coming in, according to Dedham Animal Control.
In accordance with M.G.L. C 140 S 174f, it is prohibited to confine an animal in a motor vehicle in a way that could reasonably be expected to endanger the animal’s health by subjecting it to extremes of temperature.
They will reply and might legally cite you.
A week or so ago, a dog was left in a car while its owners were in a bar in a nearby establishment from at least 5:30 p.m. to just after 8:00 p.m. As 8:00 p.m. approached, the temperature outdoors was 24 degrees. Even though they started the car a few times, the restaurant manager told the dog’s owners that their employees felt uneasy keeping an eye on the dog all night [for them] and that the institution would prioritize animal welfare over customer service the next time.
While their owner was shopping in a store this week, two pets were abandoned inside a car. At this moment, the temperature outdoors was eighteen degrees. The car’s engine wasn’t running. After a considerable amount of time and worry, someone who saw the dogs called the police.
Heat, remote starters, climate controls, even if they are only used for a short period of time, are frequently just as unacceptable in the winter as they are in the summer. Nevertheless, Animal Control retains the authority to decide whether or not they believe the animal may be reasonably at risk.
However, as family pets, cold-weather breeds are still frequently not acclimated enough, have well-stoked internal furnaces, or have fully developed winter coats that prepare them for drastic temperature drops, even though some may have more textbook ability to withstand the cold.
Upholding the law and protecting animals are the goals of the DAC. When you go out, especially during this cold weather, please leave your dogs at home.
Additionally, speak up if you observe something while you’re out.
