A new Florida bill was recently proposed to protect pets left unattended in motor vehicles under conditions that may endanger the health or well-being of the animal which includes excessive heat and cold temperatures.

Senate Bill 200 (SB 200) was introduced by Florida Senator Dorothy L. Hukill and was filed on 8.31.15.

An “authorized individual” who removes the animal from the unattended vehicle may not be held criminally or civilly liable.

An authorized individual means:

“a law enforcement officer, an animal control officer, a firefighter, or a first responder or any individual who has contacted the local law enforcement agency, fire department, or 911 operator and has been instructed by such entity to use reasonable force to remove an animal from a motor vehicle.”

If passed, the new bill is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2016.

RELATED:

SB 200: Protecting Animal Welfare and Safety Act (P.A.W.S.)
http://myfloridahouse.com/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=54946

Florida Senator Dorothy L. Hukill (Republican)
https://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/s8/