If you happen to live in Massachusetts and see a pet locked in a car, you can legally break a window to help it.
In a recent Facebook post, the Massachusetts State Police issued a warning of just how quickly pets can overheat when left in a car. The post reveals that if the outside temperature is 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the cabin of a car can heat up to 124 degrees Fahrenheit in just 20 minutes.
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed the ‘Act Preventing Animal Suffering and Death’ bill in 2016 that allows citizens to smash a window if they see a pet suffering in an overheated car. However, there are protocols that must be followed, as Masslive reports.
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For starters, the person must try to find the owner before proceeding to make a call to authorities and staying at the scene. If time is of the essence to save the pet, locals can smash in a window.
Massachusetts is in the midst of a heatwave with high temperatures and high levels of humidity, hence why local police reminded citizens of the law.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) says that there were at least 25 reported deaths of pets in overheating vehicles across the U.S. last year and dozens of rescues. Of course, these are just confirmed cases and in all likelihood, there have been many more pet deaths caused by irresponsible owners.
https://www.facebook.com/MassStatePolice/posts/3211999588884002