Should I Smash a Window?

The "Right to Rescue" act provides legal immunity for a person who damages a car in a good faith effort to save an animal from dangerous conditions while trapped in a hot car.  

“The Right to Rescue Act" will save lives. We all know how hot our cars get sitting in the heat, but so many people don’t recognize that leaving your dog in the car for even a few minutes in these conditions can be fatal.  More than anything, we hope that AB 797 will raise awareness of this danger so pet owners remember to leave their dogs at home.” - Assemblyman Marc Steinorth

To receive legal immunity, a person must comply with all of the following requirements:

1. Determine the car is locked or there is no other reasonable method to remove the animal from the vehicle;
2. Have a reasonable and good faith belief that the animal is in imminent danger if not immediately removed;
3. Contact law enforcement prior to entering the vehicle;
4. Use no more force than necessary to enter the vehicle; and,
5. If the person does enter the vehicle, the person must remain nearby with the animal in a safe location until law enforcement arrives. The person may not leave the scene.

What if you see a dog in a hot car?  Not sure how to determine signs of heat-related distress?  

• Anxiety
• Wide eyes
• Fervent barking as if in distress
• Intense scratching or digging at windows or doors trying to escape
• Excessive panting with exaggerated long tongue
• Extreme drooling, salivating
• Change in color of the gums (blueish purple, bright red or pale from lack of oxygen)
• Increased heart rate
• Labored or trouble breathing
• Disorientation, stumbling or poor coordination
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Collapse or loss of consciousness
• Seizure
• Respiratory arrest
• Coma