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Last updated on Wednesday, May 3, 2017
(INDIANAPOLIS) - A new law in Indiana will provide protections to anyone who rescues a pet trapped in a hot car. But good Samaritans may have to pay a hefty fee for their assistance.
Fox59 News reports that Governor Holcomb signed House Enrolled Act 1085 into law on Monday. This means that anyone who breaks into a hot car to rescue a domestic animal will have criminal immunity starting on July 1.
However, several conditions must first be met.
The good Samaritans must reasonably believe the animal is in imminent danger; they are required to notify law enforcement before breaking into the car; they can only use a reasonable amount of force to remove the animal; and they must stay with the animal at the scene until police arrive.
One thing rescuers aren't immune to is civil liability for vehicle damage. The law requires the rescuer to pay half of the cost to repair the car unless the vehicle owner agrees to pay for it all..
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