By Bob Katzen

Last week marked ten years since former Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law a bill protecting animals. Known by many as the “Hot Car Law,” the measure prevents animal suffering and death by ensuring animals can be rescued from hot or cold cars, limiting the time dogs spend on a tether and increasing enforcement of prior prohibitions on keeping dogs in cruel conditions.

“Despite ongoing efforts to share information about the dangers of animals left in cars in extreme heat or cold, it was clear that state and local officers needed more tools to ensure animals are not suffering — and do so before the animals, usually dogs, were at risk of dying,” said MSPCA-Angell Advocacy Director Kara Holmquist. “We were proud to help advocate for this law in the Statehouse.”

Holmquist encourages the public to familiarize themselves with the steps to take if they see an animal in distress in a hot car. “The first step is to call 911, then try to locate the animal’s owner,” she said. “If the animal is in immediate danger, Massachusetts law allows a person to remove the animal in the least forceful manner, with breaking the window as a last resort.”

“We will continue to protect innocent animals from abusive treatment, whether it is from entrapment within a hot car, being left outdoors to endure unreasonably dangerous conditions or any other situation threatening their health and safety,” said bill sponsor Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford). “Such callousness warrants tough penalties, including jail time for the most egregious offenders. I am grateful to the men and women who advocate for these precious creatures and our law enforcement officers helping to keep them safe every day. If you see an animal suffering, call 911, and break the window. Time is of the essence, and our law will protect you.”