Kelly Candlearia heard a small dog barking when she pulled into a parking lot at a mall in Chico, California earlier this week. The temperature climbed to over 100 degrees that day and she saw that the dog was left in the car indefinitely with no water. Unable to leave a dog to die in those conditions, Kelly immediately took action.
Kelly is the first person to free an animal under the Right to Rescue Act since it was passed last September. California’s Right to Rescue act protects citizens who spot an animal in a hot car and feel compelled to help, but certain steps must be followed to be protected under the law. According to the Right to Rescue Act, citizens must check that the car cannot be opened, see that the animal is in danger, contact the authorities, stay with the animal until they arrive, and not use more force than necessary.
Kelly told Action News Now that she wasn’t aware that she was protected under the law at the time, but was willing to save the pup anyway.
Although it’s illegal to leave a pet in a hot car, several animals die of negligence and heat stroke every year. Many people would like to help but are deterred by the thought of facing court and fines. Thanks to the Right to Rescue Act, citizens can act (responsibly) and more lives can be saved.
via Whisker Therapy