Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh, R-Anniston, filed a bill Tuesday that would provide immunity from prosecution to any person who rescues an animal from a hot car.
The bill would protect people who break into cars to free animals they believe may be at risk if they contact police or animal control before attempting the rescue and remain at the scene until authorities arrive to investigate.
“This is a simple bill, but one that is critical especially as the weather begins to warm up here in Alabama,” Marsh said. “As I travel around my district and even across the state, I have heard from many people that this is an issue that is very important to them.”
According to a study by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the inside temperature of a car parked in 75-degree weather can rise up to 104 degrees in 20 minutes.
“The bill is to protect people who are doing the right thing and trying to rescue an animal whose life is in danger,” Marsh said.
