Governor Inslee signed into law Senate Bill 5501 on May 13, implementing new safeguards for animals and setting a new infraction for leaving pets in enclosed spaces with dangerous conditions.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. David Frockt, creates a $125 fine, for example, for pet-parents leaving their pets in an enclosed and hot car.

5501 also gives law enforcement agencies and animal control units the ability to enter, without a warrant, if they believe the animal is in an immediately life-threatening situation.

While animal cruelty laws already state that it is illegal to transport or confine animals in an unsafe manner, the new law will give authorities the ability to take action when an animal is in danger.

The law also raises the value of pets from $250 to $750, if the animal is stolen, in line with the monetary threshold for theft.

For more information about the bill, visit app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/ and search for “5501.”