Michael Vick seeks Pa. law to protect animals in hot cars

     Elevator doors close after Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Michael Vick arrives at the Pennsylvania Capitol Tuesday in Harrisburg. Vick is lobbying state legislators on a bill that would help protect pets left in hot cars. Vick was a star quarterback for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons when he pleaded guilty in 2007 to being part of a dogfighting ring and ended up serving 21 months in prison. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

    Elevator doors close after Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Michael Vick arrives at the Pennsylvania Capitol Tuesday in Harrisburg. Vick is lobbying state legislators on a bill that would help protect pets left in hot cars. Vick was a star quarterback for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons when he pleaded guilty in 2007 to being part of a dogfighting ring and ended up serving 21 months in prison. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

    NFL quarterback Michael Vick visited Pennsylvania’s state Capitol Tuesday to make a pitch for legislation to help protect cats and dogs from being left in hot vehicles.

    Vick is supporting a bill that would shield first responders from liability for any property damage they cause when rescuing animals from unattended cars and trucks. The bill also would make it a summary offense to leave a cat or dog in an unattended vehicle in extreme heat.

    Vick was a star quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons when he pleaded guilty in 2007 for his role in a dogfighting ring and served nearly two years in prison. The Hampton, Virginia, native is now a backup quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers and, off the field, an advocate for animal welfare.

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