SB67 Summary

• Prohibits leaving a domestic animal (dogs, cats, or other household vertebrates) unattended in a motor vehicle in a manner that creates an unreasonable risk of injury or harm; vehicles at 99 degrees Fahrenheit or below are presumed safe.

• Grants criminal immunity to persons who forcibly enter vehicles to rescue animals if they contact a public safety official first, have reasonable belief the animal is in danger, use only necessary force, and maintain control of the animal until first responders arrive.

• Grants civil and criminal immunity to animal owners if a rescued animal bites or injures someone during the rescue effort.

• Requires public safety officials contacted about animals in vehicles to dispatch a locksmith or towing company and attempt to contact the vehicle owner and operator; officials are immune from liability when acting reasonably under this law.

• Amends Section 13A-11-241 to create a Class A misdemeanor for leaving a domestic animal unattended in a vehicle creating unreasonable risk, or resulting in animal death, or when interior temperature exceeds 99 degrees Fahrenheit and animal shows heat stroke signs.