Picture this: you’re walking through a parking lot on a blazing hot day and spot a dog trapped inside a locked car—no AC, no open windows, and no human in sight. Your instinct screams break the window! But… is it legal?
The Danger of Hot Cars for Pets
Every summer, warnings circulate about the dangers of leaving animals in parked vehicles. Even on moderately warm days, interior temperatures can skyrocket within minutes, putting pets at serious risk of heatstroke or even death. While some owners leave the AC running during brief stops, mechanical failures or unexpected delays can still create life-threatening situations for pets inside.
Can You Legally Break a Car Window to Save a Dog in Colorado?
In Colorado, yes—under certain conditions. State law (C.R.S.A. § 13-21-108.4 and § 18-1-706.5) protects Good Samaritans from both criminal charges and civil liability if they follow specific steps before breaking into a vehicle. You must reasonably believe the animal or person is in immediate danger, call 911 before acting, and try to find the vehicle’s owner. If you go ahead, you must use only the force necessary and stay with the animal or person until emergency responders arrive. Importantly, this law doesn’t apply to police vehicles or livestock.
An “at-risk person” refers to anyone with an IDD (Intellectual/Developmental Disability), at-risk elder or juvenile, according to this legal precedent.
Who and What Is Covered by the Law?
The law permits forcible entry into a vehicle to rescue:
- Companion animals (pets like dogs and cats)
- At-risk individuals, including:
- Persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD)
- At-risk elders
- At-risk juveniles
However, the law does not apply to livestock, and it excludes police vehicles from protection under these circumstances.
Steps You Must Take Before Breaking In
To be shielded from prosecution or a lawsuit, a good Samaritan must:
- Reasonably believe that the animal or person is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm.
- Believe forcible entry is necessary to save them.
- Attempt to locate the vehicle’s owner before acting.
- Call 911 and report the situation to emergency services before trying to break in.
- Remain on-site with the rescued animal or individual until law enforcement or emergency responders arrive.
These steps are crucial in proving that your actions were both reasonable and legally protected.
Be Responsible: Don’t Leave Pets in Cars
While the law provides a safety net for rescuers, pet owners must do their part to prevent these situations in the first place. Never leave a pet alone in a vehicle on a warm day, even for a few minutes. Cracked windows and running AC are no guarantees of safety.
The best way to protect your pet—and avoid putting others in a difficult position—is to leave your furry friends at home when temperatures rise.
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