S.B. 2561 Summary

• Prohibits intentionally leaving or confining pet animals in unattended vehicles under conditions that endanger their health, safety, or well-being due to heat, cold, inadequate ventilation, lack of food or water, or other harmful circumstances.

• Permits animal control officers, law enforcement officers, and firefighters to enter locked vehicles without a warrant to remove endangered pet animals after making reasonable efforts to locate the vehicle owner.

• Allows private citizens to rescue pet animals from locked vehicles if they call 911, reasonably believe imminent danger exists, use only necessary force, and remain with the animal until first responders arrive.

• Grants civil and criminal immunity to authorized personnel and private citizens who remove animals from vehicles in good faith under this statute's provisions.

• Classifies violations as misdemeanors and requires pet owners to pay all maintenance, care, medical treatment, and impoundment charges before retrieving rescued animals.