(a) It is unlawful for a person to willingly confine any animal in a motor vehicle under conditions that are causing suffering, injury or death to the animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation or under other endangering conditions. Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on the first offense, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on the second offense, and a misdemeanor of the first degree on the third or any subsequent offense. Notwithstanding the foregoing penalties, if an animal becomes sick, injured or dies as a result of a violation of this section, then whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(b) In order to protect the health and safety of an animal, any animal control officer, animal cruelty investigator, law enforcement officer, firefighter or rescue squad worker who has probable cause to believe that this section is being violated may enter a motor vehicle by any reasonable means under the circumstances after making a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person responsible for the animal.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to the transportation of horses, cattle, sheep, swine, poultry or other livestock.
(Ord. 15-O-49. Passed 6-2-15.)