Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department The hot weather can create several issues. In addition to paying attention to oneself, people must care for their pets. This includes not leaving animals in vehicles on hot days. I was asked to remind people of the laws surrounding these situations. Our department receives calls from time to time about animals left out in the heat or cold for extended periods. The animals fur provides some protection from the cold; however, it increases the likely effects of extreme heat. An animal’s environment is the responsibility of the owners, including when transporting them in vehicles. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272 Section 77 is the cruelty to animal’s law. This law makes it a penalty for failing to provide animals “with proper food, drink, shelter, sanitary environment, or protection from the weather…” If an officer is called to, or notices, and animal in a car on a warm/hot day and believes it is suffering, they can remove it from the car. This could include breaking windows if necessary. A conviction of this section is a felony. It carries a maximum of sentence of imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 7 years or imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than 2 1/2 years or by a fine of not more than $5,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment.” In addition, a conviction prohibits the person, “from working in any capacity that requires such person to be in contact with an animal…” The list is rather extensive and in essence includes any job or position associated with care or custody of animals. The Mass Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals points out that the internal temperature of a closed vehicle on an 80-degree day can reach 110 degrees in a matter of 10 minutes, even with the windows slightly opened. |
If you are choosing to have pets, make the conscious decision to take proper care of them. If you are dealing with heat or cold, your pet is doing the same. Please take the necessary precautions when it comes to protecting yourselves and your animal friends.
For those still seeking vaccination or COVID related information, it can be found at www.dudleyma.gov or by calling 508-949-8036. During these challenging times, we, at the Dudley Police Department, greatly appreciate the support we receive from our community. Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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