A forthcoming adjustment to vehicle idling regulations is poised to subtly lift a stringent prohibition on leaving pets in vehicles during extreme weather conditions.

This change will permit drivers in Washington state to keep their cars running to ensure the safety and comfort of animals in either scorching heat or freezing temperatures.

However, this scenario is expected to shift with the proposed enactment of Senate Bill 5833.

Currently pet owners risk flouting the state’s anti-idling law if they leave them inside cars with the engine running.

But that’s set to change with the introduction of Senate Bill 5833.

Once passed, it will allow those concerned about the safety of transporting pets in extreme heat or cold to let vehicles idle for up to 30 minutes.

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It’s already passed the first hurdle after a state Senate committee voted to advance the change last week.

It’ll help clear legal confusion for pet owners.

The state has both a no-idling law, and another rule that states they are prohibited from leaving pets in vehicles when they could be harmed by severe heat or cold.

“It is a class 2 civil infraction under RCW 7.80.120 to leave or confine any animal unattended in a motor vehicle or enclosed space if the animal could be harmed or killed by exposure to excessive heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or lack of necessary water,” state legislature warned.

The change is being championed by dog owner Sen. Keith Wagoner (R-Sedro Woolley).

His German shepherd, LaiLa, 4, often accompanies him in the car.

“I just didn’t think that should be a conflict,” Wagoner said.

But, Axiom pointed out, the flip side is that it could result in more break-ins.

“We don’t want to see vehicles stolen or broken into,” warned James McMahan of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

However, he also said on January 19 that cops recognised how much pet owners value and “love” their furry companions.

The bill has two further stages before becoming law.

First, it’ll need to pass a vote in the state Senate.

Then, the bill must be OK’d by the state House – assuming it’s not vetoed by the governor.

Pets in hot or cold vehicles

Temperature fluctuations can make it dangerous to leave your pet unattended in your car.

Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet at risk of serious illness or death.

The temperature inside your vehicle can rise about 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes, and almost 30 deg in 20 minutes.

Pets that are young, old, ill, or thin are particularly susceptible to cold environments and should never be left in cold cars.

Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle, no matter what the outdoor temperature or how long you think you’ll be gone.

Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather.

It’s a common belief that dogs and cats are more resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur, but it’s untrue.

Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and generally should be kept inside.

Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather.

But no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather.

Source: AVMA

The American Veterinary Medical Association said that people should never assume that animals are protected from severe cold by their fur.

“Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet at risk of serious illness or death.”

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Penalties for leaving an animal unattended in a motor vehicle under dangerous conditions vary from state to state, said a report published last year by the Michigan State University College of Law.

“32 states have laws that either prohibit leaving an animal in confined vehicle under dangerous conditions or provide civil immunity (protection from being sued) for a person who rescues a distressed animal from a vehicle,” it added.

“Most laws provide that the animal must be confined or unattended in a parked or stationary vehicle.

“For a person to violate the law, the conditions in the motor vehicle have to endanger the animal’s life.

“Some of the statutes specifically state that extreme hot or cold temperatures, lack of adequate ventilation, or failing to provide proper food or drink meet this definition.”