(A) A person shall not leave or confine an animal in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of an animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal.
(B) A first responder is authorized to take all steps that are reasonably necessary for the removal of an animal from a motor vehicle, including, breaking into the motor vehicle, if the following conditions are met:
(1) A reasonable effort is first made to locate the owner or other person responsible for the vehicle or animal.
(2) Under all of the facts and circumstances there is probable cause to believe that the animal is in imminent danger of physical injury or death if such animal is not immediately removed from the vehicle. The following factors may be considered in making a determination of probable cause:
(a) Present weather conditions, including heat, cold, and humidity.
(b) Estimated length of time in which the animal has been in the vehicle.
(c) Whether such vehicle is in direct sunlight or shaded.
(d) Ambient temperature inside the vehicle if determinable.
(e) Whether there is open, free flowing air on all sides.
(f) Present condition of the animal including the following factors:
1. During hot weather factors may include but are not limited to:
a. Excessive panting and short of breath.
b. Excessive drooling or frothing at the mouth.
c. Changes in gum color or tongue (bright or dark red).
d. Appears lethargic, drowsy, or disoriented.
e. Elevated body temperature.
f. Increased pulse and heartrate.
g. Vomiting or diarrhea.
h. Collapse or unresponsive.
2. During cold weather factors may include but are not limited to:
a. Tiredness.
b. Shivering.
c. Paleness of the skin.
d. Changes in gum color, paleness.
e. Muscle stiffness.
f. Low blood pressure.
g. Shallow breathing.
h. Fixed dilated pupils.
i. Collapse or unresponsive.
3. A first responder remains with the vehicle until the owner arrives or after all reasonable efforts to locate the owner have failed.
4. In the event that an emergency situation exists requiring immediate care to avoid the suffering, injury, disability, or death of the animal, the first responder shall not be required to remain with the vehicle and may transport the animal immediately if the following conditions are met:
a. Gives to the owner or places on the vehicle a written notice containing the first responder's contact information, the reason entry into the vehicle was made, and the animal's location.
b. Immediately requests additional first responder(s) provide security for the vehicle.
5. The animal shall be taken by the first responder to Metro Animal Services, or an animal hospital contracted with Louisville Metro Government to provide veterinary services. The first responder shall notify Louisville Metro Animal Services of the animal's location.
(C) The first responder is to maintain control of the animal until either taken to Louisville Metro Animal Services or the animal hospital contracted with Louisville Metro Government to provide veterinary services.
(Lou. Metro Ord. No. 86-2021, approved 7-8-2021)