If you damage a vehicle in a last-ditch effort to save a suffering pet trapped inside, you will be legally immune if a new bill is signed into law.
HB 4191, sponsored by Rep. David Olsen (R-Downers Grove) would protect people who smash open a window or otherwise damage a vehicle to save a pet.
In order to qualify for the legal immunity, the you, the Good Samaritan, must first make sure the vehicle is locked and there is no other method to save the pet, have a good faith belief that forcible entry is necessary, try to call 911 first, and leave a note on the person’s windshield with contact info and an explanation of why the entry was made.
Then you must also stay with the animal until police, emergency responders or animal control arrive, and use the least amount of force necessary to gain entry to a vehicle.
The bill now goes to the Senate.
