SENATOR GERZOFSKY: NEW LAW WILL HELP IMPROVE THE PROTECTION OF PETS LEFT IN VEHICLES

AUGUSTA – Working in conjunction with the Maine Friends of Animals (MFOA) organization, Senator Stan Gerzofsky (D-Cumberland County) sponsored legislation this session to improve the response of rescuing an animal from dangerous conditions in a vehicle.

Current state law allows a law enforcement officer, humane agent, and animal control officer to take necessary steps to remove an animal from a motor vehicle if the animal’s health or well-being appears to be in immediate danger. Senator Gerzofsky’s legislation broadened authorized persons to include a firefighter, first responder, and security guard.

The bill (LD 850), An Act to Improve the Protection of Animals, received favorable support in the Maine Legislature and was signed in to law by the Governor.

“I appreciate the effort by Maine Friends of Animals to improve this law and further protect animals in our state,” said Senator Gerzofsky. Adding, “Time can be of the essence for a pet in distress. Now the law will allow for a greater range of public safety officials to react in the event of an emergency.” 

The change in law is timely as we head in to the summer season. Pet owners are encouraged to avoid leaving their pet in a motor vehicle for an extended period of time during warm weather. It is best to never leave a pet unattended in a parked car. On warm days, the temperature in a car can rise to 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows opened slightly.