Is it OK in SC to break someone’s window to rescue a dog in a hot car? Here’s what the law says

In 32 states it is illegal to leave an animal in a vehicle when it is too hot or cold or that ensures someone who rescues an animal cannot be sued, according to a report by the Michigan State University Animal Legal and Historical Center.

South Carolina is not one of them.

But individual cities and counties may have ordinances that outlaw ill-treatment of animals.

Greenville County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Ryan Flood said there is a state law that “covers a wide range of instances as it generally refers to unnecessary pain and suffering of an animal. So there is no state law that specifically references animals locked in vehicles, however doing that could fall under this umbrella.”

If convicted, a person would serve up to 90 days in jail or face a fine of not less than $100 and no more than $1,000, or both, for a first offense. It’s two years and $2,000 for subsequent offenses.

This ordinance applies to farm animals as well.

But what about a passerby in SC?

Can they break into a car to save a suffering animal?

The Greenville County ordinance says an animal control officer, law enforcement officer or agent of the county can damage a vehicle to remove an animal in distress and not be liable to any damages as long as the health of the animal is in jeopardy, Flood said.

“As far as anyone breaking into a vehicle, we would have to look at the totality of the circumstances and it would’ve up to a judge, but I would be hard-pressed to believe if a dog’s life was in danger that someone would be charged as long as the health of the animal is in jeopardy,” he said.

According to the Humane Society, there are several steps a person in South Carolina can take to help if they find a dog locked in a hot car.

• Write down the car’s make, model and license plate number
• Notify a manager of a nearby business and ask them to make an announcement to find the car’s owner.
• If an owner cannot be found, call the local police’s non-emergency number or call animal control and wait by the car for them to arrive.

Other state laws

The Michigan State center says 14 states recently have enacted laws that allow anyone to rescue a distressed animal. That includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont and Wisconsin.

“Indiana is the first and only state to require the person who forcibly enters a vehicle to rescue an animal to pay half the damages,” the center said. “West Virginia and New Jersey are the only states that criminalize the act of leaving a pet unattended under dangerous conditions without providing a rescue and immunity provision for anyone.”

The ASPCA says, “Even if it’s just for a moment, and even if the windows are cracked, it is never safe to leave an animal in a parked vehicle alone.”

Let’s say it’s 85 degrees. In 10 minutes it’s 100 degrees in your car. After 30, it’s 120. Even if it’s 70 outside the temperature in your car can reach 100 in 20 minutes. A dog can overheat in as little as 6 minutes, the ASPCA said.

Heatstroke symptoms in pets

Symptoms of heatstroke in pets can include:

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• Increased heart and respiratory rate
• Drooling
• Mild weakness
• Stupor
• Collapse

Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees, the ASPCA said.

Dogs that are especially susceptible to heat stroke are young, overweight, elderly, short muzzles or have thick or dark fur.

Hot cars are not the only danger. Asphalt can burn their paws.

“Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during peak daytime hours to a minimum,” the ASPCA said.

And if they are outside male sure they have shade and clean water.

The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office offers this advice: “Remember: if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.”