The Folly Beach ordinance, as originally authored by Councilman Harry Ericson, put a five-minute limit on the amount of time an animal could be left alone in a vehicle. Before initial approval last Tuesday, Councilman Ericson wisely decided to eliminate any reference to time. Clearly, that would have been difficult to monitor. More fine-tuning of the ordinance is expected before key approval in a few weeks.

A survey of laws provided us by the Humane Society of the United States says there is any number of ways to deal with the very real problem of pet owners unintentionally endangering their animals' lives.

The sampling we saw included 12 local ordinances and six that have been passed statewide. The vast majority has general language that prohibits leaving animals unattended in cars under conditions that would jeopardize their health or well being. Very few have any mention of a time limit or temperature. A Pine Bluff, Ark., law is among the exceptions. It prohibits confining any animal in a parked car if the temperature is higher than 70 degrees. Nearly all specify the procedure for removing the animal from the vehicle and notifying the owner.

Local veterinarians have told us that it only takes a few minutes on a summer day for the temperature in an automobile to become deadly for pets. But there doubtless are a number of variables that determine how long it takes a vehicle to become a death trap.

Some cities, including Columbia, have zero tolerance ordinances that simply prohibit pet owners from leaving animals unattended in vehicles, period. One officer told us of an incident several years ago when an animal died despite the fact the owner left the air conditioner running. Somehow, in play, the animal had cut off the switch. Other communities allow motorists to leave their pets alone in their vehicles if the air conditioner is working.

If there is unanimity among those who deal with the problem, it is in their belief that the pet owners who get ticketed are among the most loving. That's usually the reason they have their pets with them. They simply fail to believe the few minutes they are away from the vehicles could be so potentially deadly.

The Humane Society of the United States tries to help educate pet owners. Owners of malls and grocery stores should take advantage of the material the society provides, including posters that warn shoppers to take their pets home on warm days before going inside.

Folly Beach already has restrictions on pets on the hot beach between certain hours during the summer. But that, unfortunately, has resulted in some beachgoers leaving their pets behind in their cars.

Once the Folly ordinance becomes law, signs should be posted warning beachgoers of the consequences of leaving their pets behind, unattended. In every community, particularly those that serve large numbers of tourists, such warnings in key locations would be a real public service.