HI HB1715

Allows any person who finds an unattended animal in physical danger in a motor vehicle to remove it, but must first contact county emergency services or animal control and wait a reasonable time for response.

Provides civil and criminal liability protection for persons who forcibly remove animals from vehicles if they act reasonably and in good faith, including determining the vehicle is locked, having reasonable belief the animal faces imminent danger, contacting authorities, and using only necessary force.

Requires the person removing the animal to stay with it in a safe location near the vehicle until a county animal control officer or emergency responder arrives, then immediately turn the animal over to that responder.

Authorizes county animal control officers and emergency responders to remove animals from vehicles without waiting for private individuals, and allows breaking into vehicles after reasonable efforts to locate the owner.

Requires the animal owner to pay for collection, keeping, and feeding expenses if the animal is not claimed within 24 hours; failure to claim within that timeframe constitutes animal desertion.

Effective July 1, 2050.