My first post!

I just don't understand why people still do this. It's cruel and unforgivable whether it's done through ignorance, lack of consideration or pure cruelty. Is this illegal in the US? Jonathan

@jbrayshaw

It's cruel and unforgivable whether it's done through ignorance, lack of consideration or pure cruelty. Is this illegal in the US?

I think it is state-by-state. In Michigan, here are the laws governing transportation:

c) Carry or cause to be carried in or upon a vehicle or otherwise any live animal having the feet or legs tied together, other than an animal being transported for medical care, or a horse whose feet are hobbled to protect the horse during transport or in any other cruel and inhumane manner.

(d) Carry or cause to be carried a live animal in or upon a vehicle or otherwise without providing a secure space, rack, car, crate, or cage, in which livestock may stand, and in which all other animals may stand, turn around, and lie down during transportation, or while awaiting slaughter. As used in this subdivision, for purposes of transportation of sled dogs, "stand" means sufficient vertical distance to allow the animal to stand without its shoulders touching the top of the crate or transportation vehicle.

It doesn't appear to mention anything about being left in a hot car.

I think people who do this should be made to wear a heavy fur coat and sit in the car themselves and see how it feels - as a first punishment - and then face fines etc.

We have to be their voice, don't ever turn away from a dog stuck in a hot car. You can call police or if its in a store parking lot go in and have them announce the license plate number over the PA. Dogs can't regulate heat like we can and a car can get very hot in a matter of minutes.

Thank you for clarifying this. Does anyone have recent statistics on this issue? We see it on this side of the pond, but I'd like to know how widespread this problem is.