Senator Ken LaValle and Assemblyman Fred Thiele, Jr. today announced the passage of their legislation, S.5054/A.7053, through both Houses of the Legislature. The legislation substantially expands who can rescue companion animals from extreme temperatures while confined in an unattended motor vehicle.

Current law prohibits the confinement of a companion animal in a motor vehicle in extreme heat or cold temperatures without proper ventilation or other protection from such extreme temperatures where such confinement places the companion animal in imminent danger of death or serious physical injury. It provides a procedure that a police officer, peace officer, or peace officer acting as an agent of a duly incorporated humane society may take to remove the animal or animals from the vehicle in cases where the operator of such vehicle cannot be promptly located. These officers cannot be held criminally or civilly liable for actions taken reasonably and in good faith in carrying out this law.

This legislation would expand that authorization provided in the law to emergency medical service personnel and both paid and volunteer firefighters located in communities all over the State. This will help reduce wait times when a call is made to 911 that a pet is in serious danger, especially in areas and at times when the availability of animal control officers or even police is limited.

Senator LaValle stated, “As a dog owner, I understand the deep love and affection that pets bring to our lives and families. Many of us consider them members of our family. This measure will enable additional emergency responders to take action to protect these special loved ones when it’s necessary. I am hopeful that the Governor signs the legislation into law as soon as he can.”

Assemblyman Thiele stated, “This bill will result in the saving of pets’ lives in these dangerous situations by substantially expanding who can respond to a pet in distress. Firefighters and EMS personnel are equipped and trained to act in these situations. This legislation will allow our firefighters to put that training to good use when a pet is threatened by extreme temperatures in a motor vehicle.”