Protecting dogs in cars

Alongside record-breaking temperatures this week are too-frequent news reports of pets perishing in hot cars.|

Alongside record-breaking temperatures this week are too-frequent news reports of pets perishing in hot cars.

A new law went into effect in California that protects citizens who act “in good faith” to rescue a dog left in a hot vehicle.

CA Assembly Bill 797, passed in September of 2016, is known as the “Right to Rescue Act.” It allows good Samaritans to smash windows and break into a vehicle in order to save an animal from a hot vehicle, provided several conditions are met.

Before taking action, bystanders should check to ensure the car cannot be opened; observe the animal is suffering harm, or is in immediate danger; call law enforcement; remain with the animal until first responders arrive; and not use more force than necessary during the rescue.

Nancy King of Pets Lifeline said that leaving your dog in the car even for a few minutes can be fatal. She explained that the interior of your car heats up exponentially in proportion to the outside temperature even with your windows open.

“When it’s 75 degrees outside, it’s 95 inside the car, 77 is 103 inside the car, 85 is 130 in the car, etc. Even a short pop inside a store can be devastating,” she said.

By following the necessary steps set forth by the law, citizens protect themselves from criminal prosecution of liability for civil damages.

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