Is it Illegal to Leave My Dog in a Locked Vehicle?
Arizonans are well aware that summers in the Grand Canyon State can reach up to 120 degrees during the day. Despite this, animals, particularly dogs, being left locked inside vehicles without access to ventilation or water remains an issue.
According to Arizona animal cruelty laws, which can be read about here, leaving “an animal unattended and confined in a motor vehicle” where physical injury or death is likely to result is a class 6 felony, which can result in up to 2 years of incarceration for a first-time offender.
It is vital to be aware of how hot a vehicle can become while it is turned off. According to the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association, even a day that is only 70 degrees outside can result in the interior of a vehicle reaching 117 degrees after an hour, which is easily hot enough to cause severe injury or death to an animal. As such, in the warmest parts of Arizona, leaving your dog locked in a vehicle anytime of the year could potentially cause you to face criminal charges.
In 2017, House Bill 2494 was enacted to remove civil liability from good Samaritans who use reasonable force to remove a domestic animal (or a child) from a locked vehicle under the following conditions:
- If they have a “good faith belief” that the animal or child is in imminent danger of serious injury or death unless removed from the vehicle.
- If they confirm that the vehicle is locked and has no other reasonable means of entry.
- If they notify a law enforcement officer, emergency medical service provider/first responder, or an animal control officer prior to attempting to gain entry to the vehicle.
- If they do not use more force than is required to enter the vehicle and remove the animal or child.
- If they remain with the animal or child until the previously notified law enforcement officer, emergency medical service provider/first responder, or an animal control officer arrives.
RIDEOUT LAW GROUP
With offices in Lake Havasu City and Scottsdale, our firm serves the entire state of Arizona, with a particular focus on criminal defense, family law, and juvenile cases.
Our goal is for the best outcome for your criminal case, which can include:
- charges that are reduced or dropped.
- top experts reviewing your case.
- aggressive negotiations with the prosecution for plea bargains.
- fines or probation in lieu of jail time.
At Rideout Law Group, our attorneys are able to expertly examine the evidence in your case to provide a strong strategy for argument that leads to an outcome that is most favorable to you. We have experience in all types of criminal cases for both adults and juveniles, with positive outcomes both in plea negotiations as well as jury trial settings.
Call us today for a free consultation at 480-584-3328.