Summertime is upon us, June 19 to be exact, and that means hotter days and warmers nights. This would be a great time to remind us about not leaving our pets in hot cars.

Especially since, in the state of Maine, it is illegal to break a car window to save them.

Last year, police from Windham, Maine, charged a man with cruelty to animals when they found his dog, left in his car for about an hour, with no water and the windows rolled up.

Studies show that animals and children that are left in hot cars can suffer brain damage and other problems, to include death.

Gary Freeman, Townsquare Media
Gary Freeman, Townsquare Media
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Animal Control Officer Lisa Cronk has stated that dogs and small children may not know why they are being left in the car and could work themselves up.

Cronk also stated that under Maine law, any person other than a first responder, who breaks a car window to save an animal or a child, can be charged with destruction of private property.

Here's what you can do to help the victim in a hot car:

  • Call 911
  • Stay with the vehicle. You don't want to leave the child or dog
  • Have someone get water
  • Stay in control of yourself and the situation

Or, if you're like me, you might break the window and get the child or dog out and take the chance of a lawsuit. I'm not saying you should do this, but, of course, you can do so at your own risk.

The bottom line is, don't leave people, dogs, aliens, or any other living being in a hot car this summer. Even if it is just for a moment.

Open the windows and try to park in the shade if need be, but please consider safety over convenience first.

Let's all get through the summer safe and alive!

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