Indiana Lawmaker Says 'Hot Dog' Law Is Working

Hot temperatures bring conditions that can harm animals. Pet owners are reminded to never leave an animal inside a car in hot weather.

Last year’s “Good Samaritan” hot car law allows citizens to forcibly enter a vehicle to rescue an animal – if they call police first, before they break in.

Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) co-sponsored the legislation and says residents are calling.

"It’s been used correctly and properly this last year," Cooksa says. "Fort Wayne had 250 some calls last year. Indianapolis had over 200 in just that May through September time period, so it is working."

If people break in to rescue an animal before contacting police, they may be required to pay for half of the repair costs. 

So far, Cook says he hasn’t heard of anyone having to pay for damages.

“The ones that have occurred that I’ve heard about the owner has been so grateful. Because most of the time it was mistakes, they inadvertently, they forget,” says Cook.

Besides the cost-of-repairs provision, the law grants immunity from all other civil and criminal liability provided the person:

“(1) reasonably believes that the domestic animal is in imminent danger of suffering serious bodily harm; (2) determines that the motor vehicle is locked and forcible entry of the motor vehicle is necessary to remove the domestic animal; (3) calls 911 or otherwise attempts to contact a law enforcement officer or another emergency responder before forcibly entering the motor vehicle; (4) uses no more force than reasonably necessary; and (5) remains with the domestic animal until a law enforcement officer or other emergency responder arrives.”

Indiana is one of 11 states that allows residents to save a distressed animal from a vehicle by this means.