Local mayor adopts 'zero tolerance' policy against leaving dogs in hot cars

ATTLEBORO, Mass. — In an attempt to get people to stop leaving their dogs inside hot cars, one local mayor has resorted to a last resort, "zero-tolerance" policy.

Paul Heroux, the Mayor of Attleboro, is a dog owner himself and says leaving dogs in hot cars is "totally avoidable."

Heroux recently received a picture from a concerned resident, showing two dogs gasping for air inside a car parked at a Stop and Shop when temperatures rose above 90 degrees.

"It was extreme heat, it was over 100 degrees in the car," said Mayor Heroux.

An animal control officer was called and saved the dogs. The owner got off only on a warning, but Heroux says that was the last one.

"No more warnings, common sense should be a warning," said Heroux. "People should know better than to do this or not."

After this incident and another one at the city library, Mayor Heroux said he's had enough and informed police and animal control about his zero-tolerance policy - no more warnings. He also said the first offense will result in a $150 fine.

"It's cruel to leave any animal or children in the car in the heat so I think it's great that he's buckling down, making people think twice," said Jeanne Quaglia, a dog owner.

This week, MSPCA Director of Advocacy Kara Holmquist said the organization has received several calls for animals in hot cars.

"Sometimes people think cracking the windows or putting the car in the shade will help but cars can heat up very quickly, cars can heat up 10 to 20 degrees in 10 minutes and animals can't cool themselves off as we do so it's really dangerous," said Holmquist.

In 2016, legislators improved the law, allowing for people to take action if they spotted an animal trapped in a hot car.

First, they should call animal control or police, and then make an attempt to find the owner. If the animal appears to be panting, staggering or looks disoriented, then they can take matters into their own hands.

"If they have a good faith [and] belief that the animal is [in danger], then they can enter the car and they need to do it in the least forceful means to get the animal into the shade until first responders arrive," said Holmquist.

Holmquist applauds the mayor of Attleboro's stance and hopes the awareness means the MSPCA will see fewer cases in the future.

"We just really recommend that people leave their pets at home, they're more comfortable, it's safer," said Holmquist.

RELATED: Westford man arrested for leaving dogs in 128-degree car

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