See a Dog In a Hot Car? Florida Law Allows You to Rescue It

Police in Port St. Lucie, Florida recently rescued a dog from a car in a Home Depot parking lot after a bystander called 911. The temperature inside the car – 122 degrees!

Managing Partner Gary Lesser spoke with WPBF News reporter Angela Rozier about a Florida law that grants immunity from civil and criminal liability for bystanders who break into a car to rescue a child or pet believed to be in danger. There are, however, certain conditions to this law, Lesser said.

The first thing a person must do is determine if the vehicle is locked. Secondly, a person must call 911 before or immediately after entering the vehicle. Finally, a person may not use more force than necessary and must stay with the person or pet in a safe place near the car until first responders arrive.

 In the Port St. Lucie case, police saved the dog’s life and the owner went to jail for aggravated animal cruelty.