Assemblyman  Ceretta understands the need for speed when a dog is suffering inside a locked, hot or freezing parked car. He’s also heard of the case coming out of Gerogia where a man was arrested for breaking a car window to save a hot dog.

The charges were dismissed, thank goodness, but there is still a vital need to get a bill passed to protect ordinary citzens who are trying to save animals in dire trouble.

On the other hand, we have to also consider those few who would take such a law to simply destroy public property. It can be a slippery slope.

Here is what Ceretta proposes:

(The bill) indicates that there are several specific factors that would have to be met before someone’s liability for smashing a vehicle's window would go away.

Temperatures would have to be recorded as life-threatening, the Good Samaritan would need to make a concerted effort to locate the owner of the pet and police would have to be contacted before any action is taken.

Also, the animal would need to be taken to a designated animal shelter or humane society after being taken for emergency veterinary care. Additionally, the Good Samaritan would need to leave notice on the vehicle stating their name and contact information and where they were taking the pet.

Please remember, as a pet owner, be very careful when taking your dog or cat in the car during the very hot or very cold months.

If you’re going for a drive this Summer keep the air conditioning on and if you need to stop anywhere be certain the windows are cracked, your pet has a water bowl, and you are in the shade.

And if you feel you are going to be someplace for an extended period of time … you should not bring our pet inside the car at all. Certainly, “Rover” will not be happy about being left alone at home but deciding to leave your pet at home could very well save their life!

Assemblyman  Ceretta’s proposal is a step in the right direction for dog lovers everywhere and we commend him for bringing this situation to light. For more information please go to Dog Heirs. May you and your pet have a wonderful Summer!