EDITORIAL: Crack down on owners who leave pets in cars

SHARE EDITORIAL: Crack down on owners who leave pets in cars
dogs_tricks_58___0499656a_2946_38252011.jpg

(Sun-Times Library)

Most people know not to leave pets in cars on hot or cold days, but too many people carelessly put animals in peril by doing so.

It’s for those thoughtless people that Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) has proposed an ordinance that would fine pet owners from $300 to $1,000 for confining a pet in a vehicle in a “life — or health-threatening situation.” Animal welfare groups tell us this is no small problem.

EDITORIAL

Villegas also plans a follow-up ordinance he says is similar to laws in 17 states that would free people from liability if they smash open a car window to free an animal.

“You’ve got to hit people in the pocketbook to make sure this understand this is serious,” Villegas said.

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) wanted Choi to explain the “under-utilization” of Latinos in city government. | Sun-Times

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) | James Foster/For the Sun-Times

Villegas said he has seen examples of pets locked in cars during extreme weather conditions on the internet and in parking lots.

“Even when you’re sitting in a vehicle in 90 degrees with all the windows down, it gets hot really quick,” Villegas said. “And when you have an animal with fur — can you imagine sitting in a vehicle with a coat on in 90-degree weather?”

The Humane Society of the United States says people who see a pet left in a hot car should: Take down the car’s make, model and license plate number; ask managers or security guards of any nearby businesses to make an announcement to find the car’s owner; call the non-emergency number of the local police or animal control if the owner can’t be found and wait by the car for authorities to arrive.

In the dog days of summer, nobody’s pet should be made to suffer.

Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.

The Latest
The Cubs opened the season against the reigning World Series champions in Texas.
Murder charges have been filed against suspect Christian I. Soto, 22. Investigators haven’t determined a motive for the attacks, but they say Soto had been smoking marijuana before the rampage.
To celebrate the historic coinciding of the emerging of two broods, artists can adopt a cicada for free in exchange for decorating it and displaying it publicly. Others can purchase the cicadas for $75.
Senators tasked with clearing Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s appointments are raising concerns over his renomination of Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau after the Sun-Times last year reported an executive assistant accounted for more than $240,000 in billings.