A bill designed to help keep animals safe, and protect good samaritans, passed the Alabama Senate this week.
On Thursday, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 67, which would prevent pet owners from leaving domestic animals in a motor vehicle unattended in a manner that creates an unreasonable risk of injury or harm to the animal. The bill would also grant civil and criminal immunity to any public safety official who rescues an animal, as well as providing criminal immunity to civilians aiding animals stuck in a dangerous situation inside a vehicle.
Sponsored by Elba-Republican, State Senator Jimmy Holley the bill is intended to mirror the law passed in a previous session that was created to prevent parents from leaving small children in cars during extreme temperatures.
“I’m blessed to have a district with so many people who love their pets, especially their dogs,” Holley said. “I was asked to create a bill that paralleled the bill we previously passed that protected people who rescued children from dangerous situations in vehicles.”
Currently, there is no legislation that forbids owners from leaving animals in vehicles where there is possible harm or injury concerned.
“I’m blessed to have a district with so many people who love their pets, especially their dogs,” Holley said. “I was asked to create a bill that paralleled the bill we previously passed that protected people who rescued children from dangerous situations in vehicles.”
Currently, there is no legislation that forbids owners from leaving animals in vehicles where there is possible harm or injury concerned.
Senate Bill 67 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
