PRINTER'S NO. 1444
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
1216
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY FARRY, D. COSTA, W. KELLER, FREEMAN, MILLARD,
READSHAW, CORBIN, McNEILL, DONATUCCI, V. BROWN, DEAN,
KAUFFMAN, SOLOMON, BULLOCK, DeLUCA, SCHLOSSBERG, WARD, RYAN,
WHEELAND, MASSER, WARREN, HILL-EVANS, GILLEN, DiGIROLAMO,
DAVIS, ROZZI AND RADER, APRIL 17, 2017
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, APRIL 17, 2017
AN ACT
Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and
related offenses, further providing for the offense of
cruelty to animals.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 5511 of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a subsection to read:
ยง 5511. Cruelty to animals.
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(h.3) Leaving animal in unattended vehicle.--
(1) A person owes a duty of care to a dog or cat that
the person leaves confined in an unattended vehicle.
(2) No police officer, humane society police officer or
firefighter who enters into an unattended vehicle in order to
rescue a dog or cat, nor the employer of any such person,
shall be liable for any damage caused by the rescue, provided
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that the person:
(i) Prior to entry, makes a reasonable effort to
locate the person who owes a duty of care to the animal.
(ii) Acts under a reasonable belief that the animal
is in severe physical distress.
(iii) Takes reasonable steps to ensure or restore
the well-being of the animal.
(iv) Leaves a note on or in the vehicle stating the
names of the person and the person's employer, a
telephone number and the location where the animal may be
retrieved.
(3) The immunity provided in paragraph (2) shall apply
regardless of whether the person is charged with or found
guilty of committing an offense under this section.
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Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
20170HB1216PN1444 - 2 -
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