New law aims to protect pets
Ordinance prohibits leaving animals unattended in vehicles
The city receives dozens of reports each year regarding animals being left unattended in motor vehicles. Until now, however, follow up was difficult because the city did not have laws on its books to suit the crime. Photo by MELISSA MARTIN
BRUNSWICK - Leaving animals unattended in an enclosed vehicle for more than five minutes or in extreme weather conditions will soon be considered a minor misdemeanor offense in the city of Brunswick.
City Council approved supporting legislation Jan. 23, marking the first time the city has updated its animal cruelty laws since 1974.
The legislation, deliberated by council’s safety committee last year, stipulates that pet owners can now be charged if an animal is left unattended in an “enclosed portion of a vehicle” for more than five minutes and/or under extreme weather conditions.
Animal Control Officer Mike Kellums told council the city receives dozens of reports each year regarding animals being left unattended in vehicles. Until now, however, follow up was difficult because the city did not have laws on its books to suit the crime.
“Because we don’t have anything on our books now, we are forced to charge (violators who leave their pets in hot cars) with animal cruelty,” he said, noting that such an offense would be considered a minor misdemeanor.
According to Law Director Kenneth Fisher, by definition of the law a vehicle is considered “enclosed” if all the windows and doors are closed. The only exceptions, he said, is when appropriate temperature controls are in use and water is provided.
The ordinance allows for charges to be filed when pets are left alone during a heat or cold warning issued by local, state or national weather authorities.
Fisher said the first offense would be a minor misdemeanor; however, if the animal is injured in the incident, the charges would increase to an automatic first-degree misdemeanor.
The law will take effect Feb. 23.
Council also expected to approve an ordinance that would prohibit the extended tethering of dogs on ropes or chains more than an hour at a time. That ordinance was expected to be approved along with the ordinance prohibiting leaving unattended animals in vehicles; however, that ordinance was pushed back to committee for further discussion last month.
City Council approved supporting legislation Jan. 23, marking the first time the city has updated its animal cruelty laws since 1974.
The legislation, deliberated by council’s safety committee last year, stipulates that pet owners can now be charged if an animal is left unattended in an “enclosed portion of a vehicle” for more than five minutes and/or under extreme weather conditions.
Animal Control Officer Mike Kellums told council the city receives dozens of reports each year regarding animals being left unattended in vehicles. Until now, however, follow up was difficult because the city did not have laws on its books to suit the crime.
“Because we don’t have anything on our books now, we are forced to charge (violators who leave their pets in hot cars) with animal cruelty,” he said, noting that such an offense would be considered a minor misdemeanor.
According to Law Director Kenneth Fisher, by definition of the law a vehicle is considered “enclosed” if all the windows and doors are closed. The only exceptions, he said, is when appropriate temperature controls are in use and water is provided.
The ordinance allows for charges to be filed when pets are left alone during a heat or cold warning issued by local, state or national weather authorities.
Fisher said the first offense would be a minor misdemeanor; however, if the animal is injured in the incident, the charges would increase to an automatic first-degree misdemeanor.
The law will take effect Feb. 23.
Council also expected to approve an ordinance that would prohibit the extended tethering of dogs on ropes or chains more than an hour at a time. That ordinance was expected to be approved along with the ordinance prohibiting leaving unattended animals in vehicles; however, that ordinance was pushed back to committee for further discussion last month.