NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – Nassau County Sheriff’s Office deputies came to the rescue last month when a woman accidentally locked her keys inside her vehicle along with her dog.
Deputies managed to safely unlock the vehicle and rescue the pup without having to break a window.
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But deputies said the accident serves as an important reminder to never leave pets unattended in a vehicle, especially during Florida’s hot weather.
“Even on days that don’t feel extremely hot, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly and become dangerous for pets in a matter of minutes,” said Sheriff Bill Leeper. “We were glad our deputies could help reunite this dog with its owner safely, but we encourage everyone to take extra precautions and never leave their pets unattended in a vehicle.”
If you see a dog locked in a vehicle, first determine whether it appears to be in distress. Is the air conditioning running? Is the owner nearby? Has the dog been inside for more than a few minutes? While a dog in a car is not always an emergency, it’s important to assess the situation carefully.
If the dog is clearly suffering and the owner cannot be located, call 911 or a nearby law enforcement officer for assistance.
If instructed, you may need to forcibly enter the vehicle to save the animal.
Florida law protects individuals from liability for damages when breaking into a vehicle to rescue a vulnerable person or animal, provided that:
- There is no other reasonable way for the person or animal to exit the vehicle
- The rescuer reasonably believes the person or animal is in imminent danger of harm
- Law enforcement or 911 is contacted before or immediately after entry
- No more force than necessary is used to gain access
- The rescuer remains with the person or animal in a safe location near the vehicle until first responders arrive
A few extra minutes of caution can help prevent a tragedy, the Sheriff’s Office said.