Is It Legal to Break a Car Window in Colorado if a Dog is Inside?

It's a question that I hope to never face, but I do want to know what is legal and what is not. I'm talking about the safety and security of an animal locked in a hot car here in Colorado. Sometimes even to a fault, I like to give the benefit of the doubt so let's hope this is never done intentionally. But we tracked down the answer and found out it is NOT illegal for you to break a car window in Colorado if you are rendering emergency assistance.

As a huge fan of animals, I love that back in 2017 Colorado House Bill 17-1179 was passed providing immunity to anyone who has to break into a vehicle to rescue a dog, cat, or person who is in danger. This law was put into place after many Colorado citizens started voicing their concern about pets being trapped in hot vehicles.

How Many States Allow You to Break a Vehicle Window to Save a Life?

According to animallaw.info Colorado is one of 15 states that currently allow you to break a window to save a life. Although it is illegal in 31 states to leave an animal in a hot vehicle. The website didn't give specific details on the punishment if caught leaving an animal in a hot vehicle in Colorado. But hopefully, more states make this a law, we can replace a window, we cannot replace a life even if a mistake is made.

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Before Breaking a Window I Would Call Law Enforcement

Most likely law enforcement is going to be called, whether it is before the window is broke or after. But before I broke a window I would call just so it is recorded that my actions are only to save the life of an animal. Everyone has to do what is right for them in that situation. But one thing is for sure, I would 100% break a car window if I see an animal struggling to survive due to hot temperatures.