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Police Urge Pet Owners to be Cognizant of Dangers of Hot Vehicle

The Sevierville Police Department (SPD) is urging pet owners to be cognizant of the potential danger of leaving pets in vehicles during warm weather. So far this summer, SPD officers have responded to eighteen calls from citizens where owners had left pets in their car. Fortunately, none of the animals appeared harmed and no arrests were made.

Car Temp Pet Safety ChartJust a few minutes inside a car during the summer can be deadly for pets. According to veterinaryclinic.com, when the outside air temperature is 85 degrees, vehicle interior temperatures can reach 104 degrees in only ten minutes (see attached chart).

Effective July 1, 2015, a new law took effect in Tennessee that permits citizens to rescue animals from vehicles if they find the animal is in distress due to overheating. There are several important things that citizens must know regarding the law, most importantly that the animal must appear to be in distress and is in imminent danger of suffering harm if not immediately removed; they must call 911 or the local police department; they must use the least amount of force necessary to remove the animal from the vehicle; a note must be left at the vehicle explaining the vehicle damage, why the pet was taken and that police were called; and the citizen must remain in a safe area with the pet until police arrive.

Contact Us

Bob Stahlke, Public Information Officer

300 Gary Wade Blvd.
Sevierville, TN 37864-5500
Phone: 865.453.5506