Hot Car Demo to Pressure Lawmakers to Pass Pet Rescue Bill

MASSACHUSETTS—In case the news hasn't hit you yet, hot cars kill dogs—and quicker than you might think.

With the heart of the summer steaming up our dashes and leather seats, officials from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Animal Rescue League of Boston and the Humane Society are teaming up with Sen. Mark Montigny and Rep. Lori Ehrlich. Together, they will hold a demonstration on the State House steps, pressuring lawmakers to pass a bill that would allow citizens to break windows and remove a pet from a sweltering car.

Read More: New Law Would Protect People Who Smash Car Window to Rescue a Trapped Pet

The demonstration will be held at noon on Thursday at the State House.

"We’ll have a car parked out front with a thermometer that tracks the steadily rising temperature as officials deliver remarks in support of the bill," said MSPCA spokesperson Rob Halpin. "A veterinarian from Angell Animal Medical Center (or another animal hospital if one of ours is busy!) will recall anecdotes of animal patients who suffered heat stroke as a result of being trapped in a hot car; and the lawmakers will push for greater public support for the bills."

Patch file photo