From the Animal Legal Defense Fund:
Only 12 states — Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Florida, Ohio, Vermont, Oregon and Tennessee — allow “good Samaritans” to break a car window to save an animal.
Almost all of those states require “good Samaritans” to contact law enforcement before breaking into the car.
In 14 states, only public officials such as law enforcement and humane officers can legally break into a car to rescue an animal (Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia and Washington).
In New Jersey and West Virginia, although it is illegal to confine an animal in a hot car, no one has the statutory authority to break into a vehicle to save the animal, not even law enforcement.
Michigan State University has put together a table of relevant laws for those of you who want a more in-depth look a this topic.
Stay informed, and educate others!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!