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 A new state law will allow local law enforcement officers to
take temporary custody of a cat or dog they believe to be in a life-threatening
situation due to “extreme heat or cold conditions.”
Senate Bill 2270, now Public Act 100-0740, amends Illinois’ Humane Care for
Animals Act by expanding law enforcement’s ability to proactively address cruel
treatment of pets. The act defines extreme heat or cold conditions as those that
may result in injury or death, or other serious conditions like hypothermia,
frostbite and hyperthermia. The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2019.
Conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite can pose a risk to pets left in
cars during cold winter months, while hyperthermia – overheating caused by hot
and humid weather – may be of concern during summer. In Illinois, there is
already a prohibition on confining pets to vehicles for prolonged periods of
time – a potentially deadly but preventable occurrence during extreme
temperatures.
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The act also requires that law enforcement officers
taking temporary custody of a cat or dog seek emergency veterinary
care as soon as possible. The owner of the pet will be held
responsible for any costs associated with providing care.
Hundreds of pets left in parked automobiles die each year from heat
exhaustion, the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates.
Anti-cruelty laws and ordinances across the nation aim to protect
pets during severe weather conditions. Most recently, states such as
Pennsylvania and New Jersey moved to impose harsher penalties on
endangering animals during severe weather.
The National Weather Service reminds pet owners to not leave pets in
cars, and to limit their time outdoors during harsh winter and
summer weather.
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