05/15/2026
A new law in Indiana is giving people more protection when trying to rescue pets trapped in hot cars. Lawmakers recently passed House Bill 1165, which was signed by Mike Braun, creating stronger legal protections for Good Samaritans who step in to help animals in danger. Under the previous rule, anyone who broke a car window to save a pet could still be required to pay half of the repair costs. The new law removes that requirement and also protects rescuers from civil or criminal liability for the property damage, as long as certain steps are followed. Those steps include reasonably believing the animal is in immediate danger, confirming the vehicle is locked, calling 911 or authorities first, using only the force needed to free the animal, and staying with the pet until emergency responders arrive. One important detail is timing. Although the bill has already been signed, the protections will not officially take effect until July 1, 2026. Once active, the law aims to make it easier for people to step in and save animals without worrying about legal consequences.