Michigan lawmakers may be joining 16 other states by making it illegal to keep an animal in a parked car when the owner is away. The bill states that a person can not: “Leave or confine an animal in an unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of the animal, including, but not limited to, heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death of the animal.”A first offense would be punishable by up to a $350 fine and/or up to 45 days in jail. The second up to a $500 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail. Further, If confinement causes serious harm, it’s punishable by up to a year in prison and/or up to a $1,000 fine. If the animal dies inside a vehicle, the responsible person could face up to five years in jail or a fine up to $5,000. .
