The Law in Florida - Dogs and Children in Hot Cars!
What do you do if you see a dog in a hot car with the windows closed? When a dogs body temperature reaches 106 degrees, heat stroke can cause organ failure and death. A dog can reach this temperature in just one hour outside in the Florida heat, and much quicker in a hot car with the windows closed. The Florida governor signed a bill into law that grants civil immunity to good Samaritans that break into locked cars to rescue pets or people. Symptoms of heat stroke include: restlessness, drooling, heavy panting, and vomiting, If you see a dog with these symptoms, you should take the following steps: (1) try to find the owner (2) get a witness (3) try to open the car door (4) call 911. If these steps fail and the animal or person is in imminent danger, Florida law now grants civil immunity to a person who breaks into a vehicle to rescue a dog if they have already called 911, tried to find the owner, and tried to get inside without force. The law may be found in Florida Statutes, F.S. 768.139
