I am writing this as a person deeply compassionate about animals, having seen first-hand the distress they experience when left in vehicles during extreme weather conditions. It's heartbreaking to know that all we can do is call it in and wait for help to arrive, or if we do act on the situation and try to help the animal we can be fined for it. Animals do not choose their owners – we choose them. Yet some of us, unthinkably, put their lives at risk by leaving them in cars, especially on excessive heat warning days. Their well-being is entirely in our hands, and they trust us not to expose them to such inescapable harm. We trust them to keep us safe the least we can do is return the favor. 

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, on a mere 80-degree day, the temperature inside a car can climb to 99 degrees within only 10 minutes and to 114 degrees within 30 minutes - this is a level that can be lethal for pets. Now only imagine how hot it can be on our excessive heat warning days. Unfortunately, in Missouri, there is currently no explicit law against leaving pets unattended in vehicles.

It’s our jobs as their owners/parents to stand up for those who can't speak for themselves. The petition calls on Missouri State lawmakers to make it illegal to leave pets in vehicles during periods of excessive heat. We are the voices for those who can't speak, and it is urgent that we express the necessity of this legislation. Our furry family members depend on it. Sign this petition to ensure the safe and humane treatment of pets in Missouri.

please and thank you