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With summer temperatures soaring, the Columbia Police Department and Animal Control would like to remind everyone that leaving your pets in a hot car can be fatal and is against the law.

When temperatures reach the upper 90s, as they are expected to this week, it takes only a matter of minutes for your car to reach in excess of 140 degrees. Leaving the windows cracked and or parking your car in the shade will not keep the interior car temperature safe for pets.

Leaving a pet in a vehicle is punishable under city ordinance 5-56. Penalties range from the pet being confiscated, fines and or jail time.

If you see an animal in a hot car please contact animal control or the police.

Molly Aust
Animal Control Supervisor
(573) 449-1888
maa@gocolumbiamo.com 

Officer Stephanie Drouin
Columbia Police Department
(573)817-5049
sldrouin@gocolumbiamo.com