Pets Left In Hot Cars Could Soon Be Against The Law

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A bill that makes it a civil offense to lock a pet in a car under dangerous conditions has won unanimous approval from the Washington state Senate.

With little debate, senators approved the bill 49-0 Friday morning to expand Washington's animal-protection laws. If the bill becomes law, it would create a $125 fine for leaving an unattended animal in a car, or other enclosed space, where it might be harmed by heat, cold or lack of ventilation. The bill also removes all liability for animal control officers or police who damage property when they break in to rescue confined animals.

The measure also expands Washington's prohibitions against dog and rooster fighting to cover all animals.