SB181 Summary

• Prohibits any person from leaving an unattended domestic animal (dog or cat) in a motor vehicle in a manner that creates an unreasonable risk of injury or harm to the animal, making it a Class A misdemeanor.

• Provides civil and criminal immunity to individuals who enter a motor vehicle to rescue a domestic animal if they determine the vehicle is locked, have reasonable belief the animal is in danger, contact a public safety official, use only necessary force, and remain with the animal until first responders arrive.

• Grants immunity to vehicle owners if a rescued animal bites or injures another person during rescue, unless the owner violated animal cruelty laws.

• Requires individuals transporting rescued animals to prevent hypothermia or heat exhaustion and physically check the animal every 30 minutes if transported in an unheated or uncooled exterior box.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.