Posted on 09/26/2016 1:20:15 PM PDT by rey
SACRAMENTO — Californians who see an animal trapped in a hot car can now break a window to set them free without fear of prosecution under a bill signed over the weekend by Gov. Jerry Brown.
Rescuers can break into the car as long as there is no other way to free the animal, for instance if the animal appears to be in peril, the car is locked and law enforcement is not arriving quickly enough.
The rescuer must stay at the scene until law enforcement respond to the situation.
The bill was introduced after a series of incidents in which dogs died after being left in closed cars on hot days.
This sounds like it will cause more trouble than its worth. If anyone drives with their pet and leaves it in the car, even for a few minutes to run into the store, you are at risk for someone smashing your windows or trying to break into your car. I think the end result will be less people driving with their pets. Maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
Nightmarish indeed. Why stop at a vehicle. If I perceive an animal is in trouble, why can’t a wrest it away from you, or forcibly enter your home or yard? Maybe you are just a bad person and I think no animal should reside with you? And, as I always ask, doesn’t anybody ever say this is outside the scope of government?
good idea! the law may need a little polishing, such as letting the rescuer leave the scene for his (and possibly the pet’s) safety, and just call the police from a safe location
but a very very good idea, and we would rescue a boiling pet in a locked car anyday, without hesitation, law or no law
I put my fingers into the one of the cracked windows and noticed it didn't seem hot. The dog seemed to love his attention.
After another minute of her wondering aloud if she should start smashing the windows, I glanced above at the sun roof and saw it was completely open. The lady couldn't see this, because she was short.
I was kind of looking forward to a liberal breaking another liberal’s windows.
That dog was too small to be away from its mom or be out anywhere let alone locked in a car.
I’ll make sure to remove the stuffed dog I have in my car.
So what happens if I put a realistic looking artificial dog in the back seat, who appears dead?
And maybe back things up with cameras and recorders. Maybe a proximity sensor and speaker: “Back away from this car” or “Dead Dog carries Plague, do not open window”, or some such....
Current Calif law, just before this, ===
California Penal Code section 597.7, entitled “Unlawful leaving of an animal in an unattended motor vehicle”, subsection (a) states:
“No person shall leave or confine an animal in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of an animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal.”
Leave window open some, leave water, generally accepted as OK. But note temp of ‘cold’ also.
Yes, A LOT of problems!!!!!
How about rescuing taxpayers from stupid laws?
Well I am amazed! The PRC finally got one right.
This bill sponsored by the California Auto Glass Association.
You know my artificial dog is ok because when you shake the car his head bobs>
https://www.amazon.com/Bobbing-Head-Dog-Bobble-Terrier/dp/B00760BK38
Well I am amazed! The PRC finally got one right.
PRC? Professional Rodeo Cowboys?
People have gotten very self-righteous about this, to the point that people leaving their dog in their vehicle with the engine running and the air conditioner on feel compelled to put a sign in the window stating this.
I myself have caught a weird guy pulling at the windows of my car, all four about 2” down with the sunroof open parked in the shade for about 15 minutes while I ran into the store. He claimed my dog was thirsty and panting and crying. He’d dumped water all over the leather in the back seat. I told him to get the h away from my car.
Yes, some people do leave their pets closed up in hot cars, and that is a problem. But, entitling people to break in is going to make the above far more commonplace.
“Rescuers can break into the car as long as there is no other way to free the animal, for instance if the animal appears to be in peril, the car is locked and law enforcement is not arriving quickly enough. “
There are conditions.
People get upset if you speak harshly to your dog. I get hassled for having a dog in the back of a truck. The law states, if it is a working dog, it does not need to be secured. Most of my dogs would eat you if you reached in the bed. My herding dogs freak if someone drops their head to them. Any animal that drops it s head, like a cow, steer, sheep, goat, is a threat to them and they will take a nose hold. Folks do not understand when they bend over and talk baby talk to one of mine it is turning their world upside down.
I don’t have pets but was raised with them till I was in my 20’s.
Someone is going to get shot over this.
It is NOT going to go well.
Basically, don’t leave pets or kids in the car unattended — ever.
Sometimes people think they will only be gone a few min and it’s OK, but then something happens and they can’t get back to the car right away — meanwhile kid or pet is in distress.
Better safe, than sorry.
Practical problem... everyone has a different interpret of what “in peril” means.
Sounds like a good way to get bit or shot.....
You could be seen as breaking into someone’s car for theivery or such.
Bark, bark, bang, bang....
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.