Mackenzie Bodell
The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
(TNS)
The Colorado Springs Fire Department recently rescued a dog that was trapped in a hot car for almost two hours.
On July 17, Engine 23 responded to a call for service to assist Animal Law Enforcement with a dog that had been left in a hot car for as long as an hour and 45 minutes. Fire personnel were able to gain access into the car to retrieve the pup.
The rescued dog was immediately taken in to get medical attention. According to the department, the dog was heavily panting, very hot and showing signs of heatstroke.
It reached 82 degrees on July 17. After an hour of sitting in the sun, the internal temperature of the car could have gotten well into the 130-degree mark. The Fire Department encourages the community to never leave pets or kids in the car, even for short periods of time.
The dog’s owner was eventually cited, according to the social media post Tuesday.
Colorado law, state statute CRS 13-21-108.4, or the Good Samaritan statute, protects those who rescue an at-risk person, cat or dog from a locked vehicle. However, to avoid any civil and criminal liability from property damage incurred, the following seven conditions must be met:
* The vehicle is not a law enforcement vehicle.
* The person must have a reasonable belief that the animal or at-risk person inside the vehicle is “in imminent danger of death or suffering serious bodily injury.”
* The person must determine that the vehicle is locked and that forcible entry is necessary.
* The person must make a reasonable effort to locate the vehicle’s owner, documenting the color, make, model, license plate number, and location of the vehicle.
* The person must contact appropriate local law enforcement or rescue personnel before entering the vehicle, or must not interfere with such law enforcement or rescue agent administering assistance.
* The person must use only the force believed necessary.
* The person must not leave until law enforcement or rescue personnel has arrived at the scene, or they must leave a note and contact law enforcement.
The Fire Department encourages the community to call them first before making any impulse decisions that could result in legal consequences.
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