The Kentucky Senate recently passed a bill that will grant civil immunity to those who take action to rescue pets from hot cars. This is a giant leap for Kentucky, which has come in dead last in animal protection laws on an annual list from the ALDF that ranks by state for 11 years in a row.
SB 8 was introduced by Senator Danny Carroll and passed with a vote of 35 to 1. This is great news for pets, and will encourage people not to just walk by when they see a pet in distress. Several other states, including Tennesee, Florida, California, and Colorado have passed similar laws in recent years to protect helpless pets and the people who save them.
Kentucky’s bill, an “act relating to the safety of canines and felines” protects good Samaritans from facing legal repercussions for their actions or any damage they may cause during a rescue, but only if they act responsibly. Certain steps must be taken to remain within the law. You must make an effort to find the owner of the vehicle, then contact law enforcement, have reason to believe the animal is in danger, and only use as much force as necessary to enter the vehicle. Once you have removed the pet from the vehicle, you must wait nearby for law enforcement to arrive or leave a note for the owner of the car.
Every year an overwhelming number of pets die in hot cars, but with more and more states enacting laws like this, we can hope that the number will continue to dwindle until it reaches zero. Congratulations, Kentucky!
Read the bill here. Find out what your state’s laws are by checking out this table.
H/T: wpsdlocal6.com
