Officers Urge People Not to Break Car Windows To Rescue A Dog – KTVN Channel 2

We’re seeing temperatures in the high 90’s, so leaving your furry friend in a car could be dangerous or even fatal.

If you see a dog in a locked car on a hot summer day your first reaction may be to save the dog at all costs. Even if that means breaking someone’s car window.

Pet owner Kyle Archuleta says, “If the dog is struggling, I’m breaking windows.” 

Officer Travis Warren with the Reno Police Department asks the community not to do this.

He says you can be charged with destruction of property or other criminal charges. As an alternative he asks that you call 911.

“If you see a pet in distress, notify us the police department. We will come out assess the vehicle and assess the pet”, says Officer Warren.

We asked pet owners what they would do if they were faced with a life or death situation involving a pet in a hot car.

“If you can’t find the owner, I think you have to break the window,” says Alex Green.

Another pet owner we spoke to said, “I’d obviously see if I could open the car first of all, and maybe get the dog. If not I’d call the animals protection center, see if they can open it up and take care of it.”

Every pet owner we spoke to said they would assess the situation before taking the risk of criminal charges. Some said they would look for the owner, where as others say they would seek help if the pet didn’t look distressed,

Officer Travis Warren did say however if you see a child stuck in a vehicle he urges you to call 911 as well. But if the child is in distress and you break the window you will be protected under the Good Samaritan Law.