There are two bills currently being considered by Michigan lawmakers that would make it illegal to leave your pet in the car in unsafe conditions. According to MLive, the bill is very clear as to what constitutes "unsafe" conditions...

A person cannot "Leave or confine an animal in an unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of the animal, including, but not limited to, heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death of the animal."

If these bills get passed, they would also bring about harsher punishment for violators. A first time violator might be slapped with a $350 fine and/or 45 days in jail. A second time offender could be charged with a $500 fine and/or 90 days in jail. If it's found that confinement has caused serious harm to the animal, a person could receive up to a year in prison and/or up to a $1,000 fine. And finally, *God forbid* if an animal dies from being confined in a vehicle, the offender could be fined up to $5,000 or receive 5 years in jail. If you'd like to read more about this legislation, get more details HERE.

I am totally in favor of stricter laws and punishments in place when it comes to the health and well being of animals. I don't think everyone realizes how hot it can get in cars... it only takes about 10 minutes for the temperature in your car to rise about 20 degrees. I hope that these bills get passed.

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