Every summer, dogs die in hot cars across Texas. Now, record-low temperatures are sweeping the state, and there’s still no clear law against leaving pets in freezing cars either.

Yes, Texas has general animal cruelty laws. But they don’t go far enough. We need an explicit law banning people from leaving pets in vehicles during extreme temperatures, hot or cold.

Just this year, a dog froze to death in Bartlett. In Houston, a mother dog and her newborn puppies were found abandoned in a park during freezing weather. In Brownsville, a dog and her puppies were rescued after being found cold, hungry, and without shelter. These aren’t isolated cases—they’re part of a disturbing pattern.

Texas heat can turn a car into an oven in minutes. Texas cold can do the same in reverse. Both are deadly. Without a clear, enforceable law that bans leaving animals in vehicles under extreme weather conditions, animals continue to suffer and die, with no one held accountable.

We’re asking for one simple thing: a specific, statewide law that makes it illegal to leave a dog, cat, or any companion animal in a parked car during dangerously hot or cold conditions. That law should also protect Good Samaritans and first responders who act quickly to rescue animals from imminent harm.

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas State Legislature have the power to fix this loophole. It’s time they do.

We demand Texas pass a law that clearly and explicitly bans leaving animals in extreme temperature conditions inside vehicles. Not just vague cruelty statutes—real protections, written into law.

 
 Photo: Regina Leader Post