Can I legally smash someone's car window?

Accyexplorer · 06-07-2015, 10:06

I'm sure most folk are aware of the dangers of leaving their pets in the car on a hot day.What I want to know is,if I was to stumble across a animal in destress can I legally break the window on someone's car in a bid to help it?

Greeny · 06-07-2015, 10:13

A very good question, maybe the RSPCA could answer that one.

cashman · 06-07-2015, 10:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greeny

A very good question, maybe the RSPCA could answer that one.

Reckon not, would think only the Law can answer, My guess would be No.

gpick24 · 06-07-2015, 10:24

If the dogs in danger then yes you can.
Here`s the RSPCA`s advice.

If the situation becomes critical for the dog and the police are too far away/unable to attend, many people’s instinct will be to break into the car to free the dog.

If you decide to do this, please be aware that without proper justification, this could be classed as criminal damage and, potentially, you may need to defend your actions in court.

Make sure you tell the police what you intend to do, why, and take images/footage of the dog and the names and numbers of witnesses to the incident.

Dogs die in hot cars - Health and welfare - Dogs

smobile · 06-07-2015, 10:38

I wouldn't hesitate, justification or not.

gpick24 · 06-07-2015, 10:44

Smash them all, just to be on the safe side.

cashman · 06-07-2015, 10:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpick24

If the dogs in danger then yes you can.
Here`s the RSPCA`s advice.

If the situation becomes critical for the dog and the police are too far away/unable to attend, many people’s instinct will be to break into the car to free the dog.

If you decide to do this, please be aware that without proper justification, this could be classed as criminal damage and, potentially, you may need to defend your actions in court.

Make sure you tell the police what you intend to do, why, and take images/footage of the dog and the names and numbers of witnesses to the incident.

Dogs die in hot cars - Health and welfare - Dogs

So if like me yeh aint got stuff wi yeh to take images n names n numbers of people, or not even got yer mobile wi yeh, which i aint pretty regular, yer safer ignoring n letting the dog suffer?

gpick24 · 06-07-2015, 11:24

If you don't have a mobile on you then it's up to you whether you leave the dog to suffer or risk possible repercussion in court. I'm sure there'd be plenty who'd just walk away.

Accyexplorer · 06-07-2015, 13:21

I bet the statistics for dogs that die in hot cars is heartbreaking,it makes me wonder if these folk would leave their kids in the same conditions and, I'm afraid to say, I think they probably would.
I hear a conservatory can create similar conditions and that leaving a window or a bowl of water is little to no help for your pet.

Personally,I think I'd have take my day in court defending my actions,as a animal lover, I couldn't live with the thought that I'd just walked away.

gpick24 · 06-07-2015, 13:27

I saw a video the other week, someone had left dogs in a car with windows wound up on a hot day (I`ve been trying to find it again but haven`t yet), there was a business advertised on the side of the car, it was a dog groomers. They say there no such thing as bad publicity, I disagree, I doubt anyone who saw the video would ever use them.