Florida Residents Can Now Smash Car Windows to Save Pets or People

Photo via (cc) Flickr user K. Herbrand

Last year, GOOD reported on how dangerous it is to keep a dog in a car on a warm day by sharing the video of a veterinarian trapped in a hot SUV. According to VeterinaryClinic.com, If you leave a dog in a car when it’s 70 degrees outside, the interior will heat up to 89 degrees in just 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 104 degrees. If a dog’s internal temperature rises to 105 degrees, it’s at risk for heat exhaustion. At 107, it can experience heat stroke. In order to protect dogs and children trapped in cars, there’s a growing movement to deputize people to save them.

Just recently, Florida became the second state to pass a law protecting good Samaritans who smash open car windows to save a pet or person. The Unattended Persons and Animals in Motor Vehicles act (House Bill 131) gives people in Florida permission to break a window if they see a person or pet struggling. But you just can’t smash windows willy-nilly.

Some facts you should know before smashing:

- You must first make sure all car doors are locked.
- Call 911 before entering the vehicle or immediately after.
- You can’t use any more force than what’s necessary to free the pet or person.
- You must remain with the person or animal until first responders arrive.

(H/T Bored Panda)