New Bill Aims to Allow Citizens in NY to Free Animals in Hot Cars

Lawmakers in Albany are pushing for a new bill that would allow citizens to smash car windows to rescue pets that are left in hot cars. As of now, only law enforcement officers in the state of New York are allowed to do this. Assemblyman John Ceretto created the bill which would allow anyone to break in without legal consequences. Ceretto says that the bill allows one rescuing a pet to be innocent until proven guilty.

Valerie Lang Waldin, an animal law professor at Hudson Valley Community College, says that the language in still too vague, though she agrees with the bill in essence. Waldin feels that the bill does not define the definition of imminent danger, confinement, or extreme temperatures. Ceretto says that the bill is reasonable, and that if a patron acts in an inappropriate manner they can still be charged. Ceretto is hoping the legislation will pass for next summer.

Tragedy struck over the weekend as two dogs were found dead in the trunk of a vehicle  during the Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival in Poughkeepsie.