Animal cruelty is a topic that really stokes outrage with many people who see pets being left in hot vehicles.
In Nevada, summer temperatures can soar well above 100 degrees, and the inside of a car can become deadly in minutes.
"Reba's Law" is a new state law that strengthens penalties for leaving a pet unattended in a hot vehicle.
Leaving a pet in a hot car can now be charged as a gross misdemeanor or felony, depending on the harm caused. First responders and good Samaritans are legally allowed to break a car window or door, rescuing an animal left helpless in emergency situations.
Hunter Mercurio, Recruiting Officer for Reno Police Department advised, "You need to make sure if you're running errands—even if you're going to the grocery store just for a couple of minutes—just leave your pets at home; leave them in the air-conditioning. If you want to take your dogs on hikes or walks, make sure you're doing it in the early mornings or late evenings."
If you see a pet in danger or suffering in distress, take note of the vehicle's make, model, and license plate. Immediately call 911 or Animal Control and stay with the vehicle. Law enforcement is legally obligated to force entry into any vehicle and rescue the animals left inside, and may do so without liability.
Officer Mercurio adds, "If you see them in immediate danger of possibly dying from the heat, number one - call 911 and find people around to help locate the owner. And worst-case scenario, if the window does need to be broken, you have to make sure the vehicle doors are locked."
Animal control and law enforcement officials can't stress enough to please leave your pets at home. They don't belong in a hot car to suffer and possibly die. Be wise and make good choices that are in the best interest of your pets' overall health and well-being.
