8.02.070 PROTECTION OF ANIMALS IN MOTOR VEHICLES (County Code § 6.04.070).

(a) No Person shall leave or confine an animal in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of said animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, lack of water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death of said animal.

(b) An Animal Control Officer, Humane Officer or peace officer may remove an animal from a motor vehicle if the animal's safety reasonably appears to be in immediate danger from heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, lack of water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal. An Animal Control Officer, Humane Officer or peace officer is authorized to take all steps that are necessary for the removal of such animal from the motor vehicle, including, but not limited to, breaking into the motor vehicle, after a reasonable effort has been made to locate the Owner or other Person responsible.

(c) If an animal is removed from a motor vehicle as set forth herein, the removing officer shall, if deemed necessary by the officer, take it to an animal shelter, veterinary hospital, or other place of safekeeping.

(d) An Animal Control Officer or peace officer who removes an animal from a motor vehicle shall, in a conspicuous location on or within the motor vehicle, leave written notice bearing their name and office, and the address of the location where the animal can be claimed. The animal may be released to the Owner only after payment of all fees that have accrued for the maintenance, care, medical treatment, or impoundment of the animal

(e) Nothing in this section shall preclude prosecution under both this section and California Penal Code Section 597 or any other provision of state or local law.