New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
In a well-attended event, by both two-legged and four-legged friends, Senator Montigny’s animal protection bill was ceremonially signed by the Governor on Wednesday.
Montigny stated, “Animals are an important part of our lives and should be valued. Neglectful owners have shown time and again that they are either unaware or unconcerned of the danger being left in a car can pose to dogs on hot days. This law allows people who see an animal in distress to call 911 and smash the window to rescue the animal.”
Among those in attendance were members of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Animal Rights League and the Humane Society, groups Montigny worked closely with when crafting the legislation.
The law restricts dog tethering, prohibits leaving a dog outdoors during extreme weather conditions, and allows first responders and private citizens to rescue endangered animals locked in cars while penalizing the neglectful owner. Through a combination of clear guidelines, empowering witnesses of animals in distress, and fines against negligent owners, the law seeks to ensure that animals are treated humanely and safely.
The section empowering citizens to rescue dogs from hot cars has drawn a great deal of interest from dog lovers wondering what they can do if they encounter a dog in distress in a hot car. The law allows a citizen who witnesses a dog in distress in a hot car, after attempting to locate the owner and calling 911, to use whatever means necessary to remove the dog from the car and remain nearby until authorities arrive.
