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A New Washington State Law Will Let Police Smash Car Windows to Rescue Overheating Pets

Locking a pet in a hot car seems like Cruella de Vil shit, but apparently hundreds of dogs, cats, and other pets die from overheating in cars each year.

Photo via Flickr user Steve Baker

Next month, a new law will go into effect in Washington State allowing police and animal control officers to use force to break into hot cars in order to rescue trapped pets, CBS Seattle reports. The cops won't even be liable for the property damage of smashing a driver-side window.

Locking a pet in a hot car seems like Cruella de Vil shit, but apparently hundreds of dogs, cats, and other pets die from overheating in cars each year. PETA says that, on a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 100-120 degrees. That heat can cause brain damage or even fatal heatstroke in only 15 minutes, regardless of how many inches you crack the window before heading into the grocery store.

The law also says that any person who leaves a pet in a hot car has to pay a $125 fine and may be charged with an animal cruelty felony. Quit leaving your pet in burning hot vehicles and just take sickeningly cute pictures of them instead.

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