Should It be a Federal Crime to Leave a Pet in a Confined Space Where It Could Die? (H.R. 4941)

What is H.R. 4941?

(Updated October 5, 2019)

This bill — the Keep Our Pets Safe Act of 2018 — would make it illegal to knowingly confine a common household pet in a car or other enclosed space if such confinement could kill the pet through excessive heat or cold, lack of ventilation, or lack of water. Common household pet would include dogs, cats, birds, rodents, rabbits, fish, or turtles that are kept for pleasure rather than commercial purposes. Each violation would be punishable by fines, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

Argument in favor

People who leave a household pet in a confined space where it could die because of exposure to heat or cold, lack of ventilation, or lack of water should face criminal penalties.

Argument opposed

While it’s despicable to leave a household pet in a confined space where it could die, it doesn’t need to be a federal crime. States can do a better job of enacting and enforcing such laws.

Impact

Common household pets and their owners; and law enforcement.

Cost of H.R. 4941

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA) introduced this bill to make a federal offense to leave a pet in a confined space where it could because of excessive exposure to heat or cold, lack of ventilation, or lack of water:

“As an animal lover, it breaks my heart to see any animal suffer or die from what is easily preventable. Even with a window cracked, it only takes a few minutes for your vehicle to become too hot for your pet to handle. This bill holds those accountable who fail to properly care for their pet by making sure they are not being left alone in an environment that can kill them.”

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA) Press Release
  
• Lewistown Sentinel (Letter to the Editor In Favor)