Question
My dog was taken by the NYPD because they claim I left the dog in a hot car. The car windows and sunroof were open, and I made sure to park under a tree for shade and a breeze, yet they still took him. I want him back. How do I go about this?
New York, USA
Answer
It is very dangerous to leave animals in a hot car. An animal’s temperature can rise rapidly. It only takes a very short time to reach dangerous levels leading to heatstroke and even death. Shady areas provide little protection. According to the American Red Cross, “The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open.” Also, it is not safe to leave animals unattended in cars. Animals left alone in cars may be stolen or become lost.
New York’s law regarding the confinement of companion animals in vehicles in extreme temperatures states, in part: “A person shall not confine a companion animal in a motor vehicle in extreme heat or cold without proper ventilation or other protection from such extreme temperatures where such confinement places the companion animal in imminent danger of death or serious physical injury due to exposure to such extreme heat or cold.” New York and every other state also have laws prohibiting cruelty to animals.
People whose animals are seized by law enforcement should be in immediate contact with the law enforcement entity that seized the animal and the shelter where the animals were taken (likely Animal Care Centers in NYC). If cruelty to animals is charged, the animals may be held pending the results of the criminal proceedings. Under these circumstances, people should consider retaining a criminal defense attorney.
I hope your dog is doing well.
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