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BACKGROUND The Police Department would like to have alternatives to the laws that regulate the care and treatment of animals in the California Penal Code. The proposed ordinance will allow for city enforcement and education in regards to animal welfare issues that are currently addressed in Pleasanton only under the Penal Code (such as Penal Code section 597 (Crimes against Animals)). The proposed ordinance will help the City address animal welfare incidents that may be overlooked in the criminal justice system due to the court's current heavy workload. DISCUSSION The ordinance proposed addresses the protection of animals from the elements, adequate food and water for animals, and the treatment of sick or injured animals. A description of each follows: • Section 7.36.060 (Protection from the Elements) Proper care for animals includes protecting them from the elements, whether the weather is warm or cold. When animals are left outside under any condition, it is vital that they have shelter; shade and water in the heat, and a warm and dry place in the cold and wet. In hot summer weather, it is not uncommon for the Police Department to receive multiple calls reporting that dogs have been left unattended in cars. Dogs that are left unattended in hot cars can quickly become overheated and their lives can be at risk. Dogs left in cars, even in mildly warm weather, present a situation with great potential for tragedy. According to several sources, the temperature in a closed car, even with the windows cracked, can rise within minutes and this can which can result in deadly consequences. One example is on a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to between 100 and 120 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes. When dogs are overheated they sweat, pulling the heat from their bodies. Because dogs only sweat around their paws, their bodies may not be able to adequately rid their bodies of heat. When placed in excess heat, dogs pant. When they are in a location that is high humidity or limited quarters, such as a car, dogs are unable to pant sufficiently to cool themselves. With the potential for tragedy and the emotions often connected to these situations, the Pleasanton Police Department needs to have comprehensive laws to protect animals. These situations stir deep emotions for many people and the public expects that the Police Department take swift and appropriate action to assist the animals. Animals, like humans, are vulnerable to extreme heat and cold. When animals are left in outside, it is vital that they have protection from the heat in the form of shade and Page 2 of 3