In the depths of winter, with temperatures often dipping below freezing, leaving a pet alone in a parked car isn’t just dangerous—it’s potentially deadly. Yet in Michigan, there is no specific state law that prohibits this.

Right now, dogs and other animals can be legally left in freezing vehicles across Michigan. If someone tries to save them by breaking a window, that Good Samaritan could face legal consequences—because Michigan also has no “Good Samaritan” law to protect rescuers acting in good faith.

While Michigan does have a general animal cruelty statute, it requires proving that a person knowingly acted in a way that would cause harm. That’s far too vague—and it does nothing to prevent suffering in the moment. When it’s 20 degrees outside, the inside of a car can quickly become a death trap for animals, especially puppies, senior dogs, and short-haired breeds. Within minutes, they can begin to experience hypothermia, shock, or worse.

Across the country, 32 states have passed laws that explicitly make it illegal to leave animals in cars under dangerous hot or cold conditions. Many also give immunity to people who rescue animals when the law fails to protect them in time. Michigan does neither.

We’re calling on the Michigan Legislature to pass a statewide law that:

• Bans leaving animals unattended in vehicles when weather or conditions endanger their safety
• Recognizes cold temperatures as a serious and immediate threat—not just heat
• Provides civil immunity for first responders and citizens who rescue animals in good faith

Let’s make sure no animal in Michigan freezes to death this winter because our laws failed them. Sign and share this petition today.