Is Breaking a Car Window to Save a Dog Legal?

Yes – In California it is legal to break a car window to save the life of a dog or animal in distress due to heat. In order to be relieved of civil responsibility and criminal prosecution, the good Samaritan who breaks the window must wait for authorities to arrive and it must be clear that the animal was in imminent danger with no other option of rescue.

Supporting Article: http://abc7.com/pets/new-ca-law-allows-smashing-of-windows-to-rescue-pets-in-hot-cars/1526441/