Breaking Into Cars Is Now Legal In Tennessee, But There’s A Catch

Ever wanted to be able to break into a car legally? Well, if you live in Tennessee, now you can — but there’s a big catch.

Despite repeated warnings from the public, dog owners often leave their dogs in their car while they go off to do something else, without a care that the temperature inside the car reaches dangerous levels very quickly — and can easily kill a dog. In order to combat this problem, legislators came up with a solution.

As of now, it is now legal for a stranger to break into a vehicle with a dog trapped inside as part of the “Good Samaritan Act,” Time reported. The law already allows citizens to break into cars if they notice a trapped child in a car during dangerous weather.

“If you act reasonably, as any reasonable person would respond, you will not be at fault to save a life. You will not be at any fault to save a life and/or animals,” Nashville Fire Department Chief of Staff Mike Franklin told Nashville ABC affiliate WKRN.

There is something you can do to keep your pet at a healthy temperature, but sticking them in a car isn’t one of them. The Humane Society posted tips on how to keep your pets nice and cozy during the vicious heat we’re expected to endure this winter.

Furthermore, the Humane Society cautions that that on an 85-degree day, temperatures inside a car – even with its windows slightly opened – can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes, and 120 degrees after 30 minutes. Temperatures like this are extremely dangerous, and potentially fatal for all animals.

Currently, there are 16 states looking into completely banning putting your animal in your car while you go off and handle your business. Hopefully, a significant number of other states will begin to follow suit.

[Image credit: Getty Images Europe]