Should good Samaritans be allowed to break into a car to rescue a pet or child? Colorado considers new law
Save a baby, go to jail.
Under current Colorado law, it’s a possibility.
Following the lead of a handful of other states, Colorado lawmakers are pushing to give good Samaritans legal immunity for breaking into a car in order to save a child, dog or cat from extreme heat or cold.
Sponsored by state Reps. Lori Saine, R-Dacono, and Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, House Bill 1179 would establish some circumstances in which someone can break a car window without penalty.
To qualify for immunity, the would-be rescuer would have to make a “reasonable effort” to find the owner, and call 911 before breaking in. They would also have to reasonably believe a person or animal’s life was in danger.
Read full story at The Denver Post.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: An ice sculpture is placed in a vehicle to warn of the dangers of leaving a dog in a hot car on April 9, 2014 in London, England. The Colorado legislature is considering a bill that would legalize the damage caused to rescue a dog or child from a hot car. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images for Dogs Trust)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: An ice sculpture is placed in a vehicle to warn of the dangers of leaving a dog in a hot car on April 9, 2014 in London, England. The Colorado legislature is considering a bill that would legalize the damage caused to rescue a dog or child from a hot car. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images for Dogs Trust)