(a) A person commits an offense if he or she knowingly confines a dog or cat in an unattended motor vehicle for more than five minutes under conditions that, in the opinion of a trained peace officer, animal services officer, or licensed veterinarian, endanger the health of the dog or cat due to extreme temperatures, lack of adequate ventilation, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause the suffering, disability, or death of the dog or cat and as demonstrated by, but not limited to, the dog or cat's excessive drooling or panting, lethargic behavior, collapse, vomiting, or convulsions.
(b) A peace officer, animal services officer, or licensed veterinarian may, after reasonably attempting to locate the dog or cat's owner, remove the dog or cat from the motor vehicle using any reasonable means, including breaking a window or lock. If professional services are required to remove the cat or dog from the vehicle, the owner is responsible for the cost of professional services. A peace officer, animal services officer, or licensed veterinarian who removes a dog or cat from a motor vehicle in accordance with this section is not liable for any resulting property damage.
(c) This section does not create a cause of action for damages or enforcement of this section. (Ord. 30483)