Iowa's pet laws cover many aspects of pet ownership, from leash requirements to rabies vaccinations. However, one critical piece is missing: a Good Samaritan law for rescuing pets from hot cars.

Without such a law, well-meaning citizens face potential legal consequences for saving pets in distress. This absence leaves pets vulnerable during Iowa's hot summers.

 

The Dangers of Hot Cars

On a hot day, temperatures inside a car can rise to deadly levels within minutes. According to the CDC, a car's interior temperature can increase by 20 degrees in just ten minutes, even with windows slightly open. For pets left inside, this can lead to heatstroke, brain damage, or death.

Jim Neill from Florida emphasized the severity of the issue, telling WWLP, “We hear about people with children, that leave a kid in a car by themselves? And it’s no different with a pet."

 

Iowa's Current Laws

Iowa does not have specific laws prohibiting the confinement of animals in dangerous conditions within vehicles. While 31 states have laws that either prohibit leaving an animal in a confined vehicle under dangerous conditions or provide civil immunity for rescuers, Iowa remains one of the states without such protections, K92.3 reports.

This lack of legislation means that if a passerby breaks a window to rescue a pet, they could face civil or criminal charges.

 

The Need for a Good Samaritan Law

A Good Samaritan law protects individuals who act in good faith to rescue pets in imminent danger. Such laws generally require rescuers to check for signs of distress, call emergency services, and make reasonable efforts to locate the owner before taking action. These steps ensure that the actions are necessary and justified.

In Massachusetts, WWLP reports, residents are protected by the state's Good Samaritan law when rescuing children or pets from hot cars.

As Lt. Tony Spear of the West Springfield Fire Department explains, “There’s always protections in place for Good Samaritans... If you have to act fast, with good intentions go ahead and make that entry and the next thing you are going to want to do is contact the authorities and that’s why you want to stay on the scene."

 

Legal Risks in Iowa

In Iowa, the lack of specific legal protection for rescuers creates a risky situation. Iowa State Patrol Trooper Ryan DeVault notes that while people should call 911 if they see a child or pet in distress, breaking a window without specific legal backing can lead to lawsuits or criminal charges if the action is deemed unreasonable or unnecessary, according to We Are Iowa.

Attorney Bobby Rehkemper noted that Good Samaritan protections may not apply if the animal or child was not in genuine danger, exposing the rescuer to civil liability or criminal mischief charges.

 

Real-life Implications

The absence of a Good Samaritan law in Iowa has real-life consequences. During Iowa’s hot summers, the interiors of vehicles can become death traps for pets left unattended, K92.3 reports.

Responsible pet owners know not to leave their pets in cars, but accidents happen. Without legal protection, bystanders are less likely to intervene, fearing legal repercussions. Other states have seen success with their Good Samaritan laws.

These laws empower citizens to act without fear, leading to lives saved. For instance, in states with such laws, people can break a window to rescue an animal in distress, knowing they are protected from legal action if they follow prescribed steps.

 

The Path Forward

Iowa must consider adopting a Good Samaritan law for pets. Such legislation would ensure that those who act to save animals in peril are protected from legal consequences. This change would align Iowa with the many states that recognize the importance of allowing Good Samaritans to act without hesitation in emergencies.

The push for this law needs support from pet owners, animal rights activists, and the general public. By raising awareness and advocating for legislative change, Iowans can help ensure that pets are protected and rescuers are empowered to act in good faith. The current legal landscape in Iowa leaves pets at risk and well-meaning citizens vulnerable.

A Good Samaritan law is not just a legal necessity; it's a moral imperative. Protecting those who act to save lives in good faith fosters a community where pets and people can coexist safely. It's time for Iowa to take action and ensure that every pet has a chance to be saved when the heat becomes deadly.

Click below to take action for pets in Iowa.