1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a person shall not allow a pet to remain unattended in a parked or standing motor vehicle if conditions, including, without limitation, extreme heat or cold, present a significant risk to the health and safety of the pet.

2. Any:

(a) Peace officer;

(b) Animal control officer;

(c) Governmental officer or employee whose primary duty is to ensure public safety;

(d) Employee or volunteer of any organized fire department; or

(e) Member of a search and rescue organization in this State that is under the direct supervision of a sheriff,

who reasonably believes that a violation of this section has occurred may, without incurring civil liability, use any reasonable means necessary to protect the pet and to remove the pet from the motor vehicle.

3. The provisions of subsection 1 do not apply to:

(a) A police animal or an animal that is used by:

(1) A federal law enforcement agency to assist the agency in carrying out the duties of the agency; or

(2) A search and rescue organization in this State that is under the direction of a sheriff to assist the organization in carrying out the activities of the organization; or

(b) A dog that is under the possession or control of:

(1) An animal control officer; or

(2) A first responder during an emergency.

4. A pet that is removed from a motor vehicle pursuant to subsection 2 shall be deemed to be an animal being treated cruelly for the purposes of NRS 574.055. A person required by NRS 574.055 to take possession of a pet removed pursuant to this section may take any action relating to the pet specified in NRS 574.055 and is entitled to any lien or immunity from liability that is applicable pursuant to that section.

5. The provisions of this section do not:

(a) Interfere with or prohibit any activity, law or right specified in NRS 574.200; or

(b) Apply to a person who unintentionally locks a motor vehicle with a pet in the motor vehicle.

6. A person who violates a provision of subsection 1 is guilty of a misdemeanor.

7. As used in this section:

(a) “Animal” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 574.050.

(b) “First responder” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 574.050.

(c) “Pet” means a domesticated animal owned or possessed by a person for the purpose of pleasure or companionship and includes, without limitation, a cat or dog.

(d) “Police animal” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 574.050.

(Added to NRS by 2017, 2251)