Lately, there have been several stories of Good Samaritan humans going rogue to save pups trapped in hot cars.
A law recently passed in Tennessee decriminalizes the act of saving a dog from a boiling metal death-trap. Starting July 1st, Neighbarkhood Watch vigilantes springing a Spaniel or retrieving a Labrador won’t face criminal charges or jail time. The law is an extension of the state’s Good Samaritan law that allows citizens to break into a hot car if they see a child locked inside.
Sixteen states have legislation making it illegal to leave a dog in a car in extreme temperatures. (It’s also legal in Maine to free a pup who’s burning up.)
[bp_related_article]
Nashville Fire Department Chief of Staff Mike Franklin said,
“If you act reasonably, as any reasonable person would respond, you will not be at fault to save a life. You will not be at any fault to save a life and or animals.”
So if you (Tennes)see a dog suffering in a hot vehicle, free it by any means necessary: brick, hammer, coat hanger, screwdriver…and remember to use eye protection if you plan to break glass. (Or um, use your discretion and/or any methods that work for you.)
