SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. – Extreme heat in the summer months can turn the inside of cars into potential death traps for anyone or anything. Dogs left in cars have no way to escape the heat.
Under Michigan law the only charge law enforcement can give is 'animal cruelty', which can be difficult to prosecute unless the dog is close to death or dies. Often, people who just leave dogs unattended escape prosecution.
But an officer with the South Haven Police Department came up with an idea to prevent the animal neglect, by writing an ordinance that will make it easy for police to issue fines.
"So I wanted to do something more than that. So we came up with the idea that it would be a misdemeanor if an animal was left in a vehicle unattended." Said Officer Michaela Pauly, with the South Haven Police Department.
There would be a $100 fine for first offenders and $500 for second offenders. Jail time is also possible depending on the severity of the offense.
"It's really to educate the public that you shouldn't have dogs in a hot vehicle. Even 70 degrees according to the humane society is too hot for a dog."
Dogs have fur coats, no sweat glands and can quickly suffer organ failure by being left in cars. Even having a cracked window is not ok, according to police officers.
Police will present the ordinance at the next South Haven city council meeting on August 2nd.
