AAA Supports Legislation Designed for Animal Protection

Bill would protect first responders acting to help animals left in hot cars

PHILADELPHIA, PA (October 15, 2018) AAA echoed support of House Bill 1216 at a press conference held in Harrisburg this morning. The legislation focuses on animals in distress in automobiles and allows public safety professionals to remove unattended dogs/cats without liability for damages to the vehicle.

“As members of the family, pets travel by car with millions of Americans each year,” said Jana L. Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Unfortunately, too many well-intentioned pet owners carelessly confine their animals in a hot car that ultimately becomes a death trap. AAA supports House Bill 1216, as it allows first responders to break a window and rescue an animal in imminent danger.”

House Bill 1216, also known as the Motor Vehicle Extreme Heat Protection Act, prohibits the confinement of a dog or cat in an unattended motor vehicle in a manner that would endanger the health and well-being of the animal. It will provide for conditional civil immunity to law enforcement officers, animal control officers, humane society police officers, and emergency responders for any property damage resulting from entering a motor vehicle in order to rescue a cat or dog. This bill will allow law enforcement to remove any animal from a vehicle, without liability for damages, when they see an animal in distress, whether that distress is caused by heat, cold, or other circumstances.

“Support of this bill falls in line with AAA’s consistent advocacy efforts for traffic safety,” Tidwell said. “Pets are passengers too and ensuring their safety in automobiles is a cause worth fighting for.”

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Pennsylvania.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.