House OKs Knopp bill to free dogs from hot cars

A bill sponsored by state Rep. Tim Knopp, R-Bend, that will protect pets from being trapped in hot cars passed the House this week and headed for the governor’s desk.

Senate Bill 614, approved Wednesday, was co-sponsored by Knopp and Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem).

It allows for peace officers to enter motor vehicles and impound animals when the officer has probable cause to believe that an animal is being subjected to certain criminal offenses.

SB 614 unanimously passed the Senate back in March and garnered similar support from the House Wednesday, passing with avote of 53-2.

Former Bend resident Desiree Donaldson urged Knopp to draft the bill, which aims to protect pets, especially dogs,from death or injury in hot cars by empowering police officers to intervene when theyidentify an animal trapped in a hot vehicle.

Officers would be allowed to forcibly retrieve and rescue an animalupon establishing probable cause that an animal is in life-threatening conditions.

“Every summer, you hear of dogs dying from being left in a car for too long; this bill aims to prevent this,” Knopp said. “Central Oregonians love their dogs, and this bill protects them.”

Knopp also responded to concerns that the bill expands the authority of law enforcement.

“In crafting the bill, we were sensitive in not expanding police authority beyond probable cause,” said Knopp.