Protect Good Samaritans Who Rescue Pets From Hot Cars!

I am writing to urge you to create and pass legislation to protect people who save animals from hot cars from liability.

A hot car can be a deathtrap for pets left behind while the owner runs errands. On a pleasant 72F spring day, a vehicle becomes an oven in a matter of minutes, even with the windows cracked. In 10 minutes, the temperature inside the car rises 19F. After 30 minutes, the temperature is a boiling 106F. The heat rises more and more the longer the pet is inside a parked car.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, hundreds of pets die each year from being left inside hot vehicles. Often, ordinary citizens are the first to notice pets in danger, but they are afraid to take action because they may face legal action for breaking into a locked car, even to save a pet. Police, animal control and firemen are exempt from liability, but by the time they arrive it may be too late.

An Arizona bill would give ordinary citizens immunity when they break into hot cars to save animals, as long as they act in a reasonable manner. The law would extend to Good Samaritans who save children trapped in hot cars, too. If passed, the law would potentially save hundreds from pain, injury and death. I respectfully urge you to create and pass legislation in your state to grant immunity for people who rescue pets from hot cars. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this petition.

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