(A) An animal control officer, other law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other emergency responder may use reasonable force to open a vehicle to rescue an animal. A rescued animal shall be remanded to the Animal Shelter or a veterinarian for life-saving treatment. An authorized person who uses reasonable force to enter a locked and unattended motor vehicle to remove a confined animal is not liable for any damages in a civil action if all of the following apply:
(1) The person has a good faith belief that the confined animal is in imminent danger of suffering physical injury or death unless the animal is removed from the motor vehicle;
(2) The person determines that the motor vehicle is locked or there is no reasonable manner in which the person can remove the animal from the vehicle;
(3) The person does not use more force than is necessary under the circumstances to enter the motor vehicle and remove the animal from the vehicle.
(B) A Good Samaritan may use reasonable force to open a vehicle to rescue an animal. A Good Samaritan who uses reasonable force to enter a locked and unattended motor vehicle to remove a confined animal is not liable for any damages in a criminal or civil action if all of the following apply:
(1) The person has a good faith belief that the confined animal is in imminent danger of suffering physical injury or death unless the animal is removed from the motor vehicle;
(2) The person makes a reasonable attempt to locate the owner;
(3) The person contacts law enforcement/911 prior to entering the vehicle;
(4) The person determines that the motor vehicle is locked or there is no reasonable manner in which the person can remove the animal from the vehicle;
(5) The person does not use more force than is necessary under the circumstances to enter the motor vehicle and remove the animal from the vehicle; and
(6) The person stays with the animal until law enforcement/first responders arrive.
(Ord. 20007, passed 2-11-20)