If You See A Pet Suffering In A Hot Car Here's What You Need To Do

Every year in Sacramento, California, countless cases are reported of a pet being left alone in a hot car in the summer.

This year alone, beginning the warmer seasons, 19 cases have already been reported. In 2016, that figure reached 137 in the area alone.

Thankfully, those in California can now legally break a car window, or take any other reasonable steps, to rescue a pup from hot cars. This was allowed via a bill signed into law in 2016 by Governor Jerry Brown. Previously, those who did so could face charges, but now, passersby can act on reasonable belief that a pet is in danger to break the pup free from the car.

This can be done if those who find the pet believe that law enforcement cannot arrive on time, and after they check to ensure that the car is not already unlocked. However, once they rescue the animal, they must still wait for law enforcement to arrive. It is advisable to contact law enforcement before taking action. Once the pet is rescued, you may move to a safer area near to the vehicle.

How do you know if it’s too hot for a pup? The temperatures in cars can rise tens upon tens of degrees and reach dangerous levels within a few minutes, even on 75-degree days. Within 15 minutes, a pup could suffer severe brain damage, heat stroke, or even die if left in a car. So to be safe, don’t leave your pup in a car without the aircon on and a window cracked open – or just don’t leave them in there at all!

On the bright side, reported cases have declined over the years, so we can hope that there will come a time when these kinds if incidents will no longer occur. Do like and share!