Town officials in North Hempstead are taking steps to make sure pet owners don't leave their animals unattended in cars as summer temperatures climb.

Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth is proposing a town law that would fine and, in some cases, jail people for leaving pets unattended in their cars during the hot summer months.

Under the proposed law, violators could face a $250 fine and/or jail for 15 days.

Experts say pets can suffer brain damage, heat stroke and death from being left in cars on hot days. Temperatures inside cars that are parked in the sun can quickly soar to more than 100 degrees within minutes.