North Hempstead town council members are proposing an amendment to town code that would make it illegal to leave an animal unattended in a heated vehicle without water or ventilation.
The law, for which a public hearing was set last Tuesday for Aug. 11, would set a $250 fine and/or imprisonment for up to 15 days for violators.
“Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet at risk of serious illness or death, even on a day that doesn’t seem hot to you and cracking the windows makes no difference,” North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said in a statement.
“If you see an animal in a car exhibiting signs of heat stress, I urge you to call your local police precinct’s non-emergency number and the town’s 311 call center for animal control immediately, so that they make the necessary steps to remove the animal from a vehicle,” she added.
Officials said the legislation is part of a town-wide educational initiative to increase awareness over so-called “hot cars,” in which pets and small children face heat stroke and even death if left unattended for too long.
The campaign will include public service announcements on North Hempstead TV, the distribution of flyers and various social media postings detailing the risks of leaving pets in hot cars.
In a news release Monday, town officials listed signs of heat stress as set by the Humane Society of the United States, including heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting or a deep red or purple tongue.
Among the cooling strategies outlined in the campaign are to apply cool water to an animal’s body, placing wet towels over the back of its neck, armpits and groin area and offering it fresh, cool drinking water.
“Before you put your pet in the vehicle, ask yourself if you really need to take your pet with you — and if the answer is no, leave your pet at home,” said Jenna Givargidze, Town Animal Shelter director. “They’ll be safe and happily waiting for you when you return.”
