Nc Law Animals in Car
Driving Under the (Doggy) Influence; What are the laws related to dogs in cars?
We all love traveling with our pup! That is why it is important that we know the laws related to doing so in NC. Are you breaking laws that you are unaware of? Is your pet in danger from normal things that you do? Lets take a look at some of the laws in NC related to traveling with your dog.
Leaving Dogs in Parked Cars
Is it illegal to leave your pet in your parked car? This is an important question for pet owners traveling with their dog. Many do not realize that this is a very dangerous thing to do. I myself have left my dog in my car with the windows down as I ran into the grocery store before and didn't think anything of it. Upon learning about the dangers of doing this, however, I am shocked and thankful that my pup was okay!
On an eighty-degree day the temperature of your car can soar between 100–120°F in a very short amount of time. This is extra hot for your dog because they cannot sweat and are covered in fur! Disorientation, confusion, and raised heart rate are symptoms of heat stroke, therefore animals often panic when it gets too hot which only makes the situation worse. A dog could suffer brain damage or even die in only 15 minutes. No dog should have to suffer through this, and everyone should be aware of these dangers! Luckily, North Carolina has taken action to protect our dogs!
As of July of 2015, North Carolina has passed a bill allowing law enforcement to rescue dogs from hot cars. It is one of sixteen states to pass similar laws, and it is traveling through the country. The North Carolina law allows rescue workers to rescue these dogs in distress by "any means possible." This includes dogs left in cars that appear to be under conditions that are "likely to cause suffering, injury, or death to the animal due to heat, lack of adequate ventilation, or under other endangering conditions."
This rescue however cannot be done immediately. The law specifies that law enforcement can only take action after a "reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person responsible for the animal" is made. If the car is parked at an event or a store, the person dialing 911 should make an effort to find the owner of the car. Efforts to find the owner often include announcing over speakers of nearby stores and getting staff involved. This short amount of time is worrisome for many because five minutes could be the difference between life and death of the animal. Therefore it is very important to act immediately when you see an animal in distress.
It is suggested that while searching for the owner that one person should stay and monitor the condition of the animal. Conditions of heatstroke include restlessness, excessive thirst, thick saliva, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, rapid heartbeat, fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and a lack of coordination. When these conditions are seen, it is crucial that action is taken. Taking them to an indoor location with air conditioning or to a veterinarian are suggested. Also providing water or spraying them with water could help lower body temperature. Fans, wet towels, and bathtubs are helpful. It is important however not to overcool the animal, so do not use ice water.
Here is a link where you can explore the different laws about leaving dogs in parked cars in different states!
Doggie Seat Belt laws
Does my dog need a seat belt to ride in the car with me? Upon hearing about doggie seatbelt laws, I was surprised. My dog rides with me in the car all the time and thinking about her in a seatbelt is pretty laughable. She loves to stick her head out the window and explore the backseat. Many states have been passing new laws however that if you have a dog in the car it must have a seatbelt on. Upon reading the list, I saw that North Carolina is not included among these states. I would not be surprised, however, if a law like this were to be passed very soon! They are becoming more and more popular and there are many campaigns in support.
These laws are aimed to protect not only your dog's life but also yours. Many accidents are the result of distracted drivers because of pets. By having your dog in a seat belt, you will be less distracted by it roaming around and it will be safer if an accident were to occur. You wouldn't let your child ride in the car unrestrained, so why would you let your dog? In a collision at 60 mph, an unrestrained ten-pound dog will hit you with about 500 pounds of force. This can do serious damage to your dog, and just imagine how much it would be for a bigger dog! Upon realizing this, I have been convinced that maybe these laws are a good idea. Doggie seatbelts can be purchased at most pet stores, and I will definitely be making that purchase next time my pup takes a trip with me.
Here is an article by USA Today for more information about the different state laws related to doggie seat belts!
Dogs in Pickup Trucks
Many have seen dogs riding in the back of trucks before. It is very common in the south with how many trucks there are on the road. I personally have a truck but I have never let my dog ride in the back. This is simply because she has never done it before and I am nervous that she would jump or fall out. It makes me a bit nervous seeing other dogs riding in trucks on the road as well. Even if they are used to riding in truck beds, there is always a risk that they could fall out if the car comes to a quick stop. They are also at risk of being hit with flying objects, which could cause major injury.
North Carolina does not have any laws related to dogs in pickup trucks. There are many other states, however, with laws that have been recently passed related to this. Dog owners are required to have their dogs caged or cross-tied in open pickup trucks in California, Oregon, Minnesota, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. I would not be surprised if North Carolina were to pass a similar law with the amount of dog advocacy occurring across the country.
Here is a site for more information describing some of the laws about securing animals on trucks and other vehicles!
Sources for images;
https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/8315-dogs-die-in-hot-cars
http://www.orvis.com/s/orvis-dogs-traveling-with-your-dog/2526
http://pointsoflight.blogspot.com/2009/09/dog-in-truck.html
Source: https://medium.com/nc-tails/driving-under-the-doggy-influence-what-are-the-laws-related-to-dogs-in-cars-cf21bbc7d7f5
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