Sheriff Smashes Car Window to Rescue Overheated Dogs

[Swede Atlanta]

33. Really?

Most states have fairly strict animal cruelty laws and certainly have very strict child cruelty laws.

If you did not take action and the animal or child died or subsequently had suffered severe health issues as a result you could be prosecuted as an accomplice to animal or child cruelty. You had knowledge an animal or child was being harmed and could have taken immediate action when immediate action was needed. It is rare and not applicable in all states but it has been done in several states with success.

I wouldn't wait. I would break in the window, rescue the animals or child and do whatever I felt I had to do to save their lives up to and including giving them water, etc. When I felt I had the situation at least out of danger I would call 911 or if there were others I would have them call 911 as I was taking action.

I would never just break in the window and not call 911. One, you do want to protect yourself from prosecution or suit by ensuring your actions are part of a criminal narrative. As well if the owner/parent did it this time they may not be deterred from doing it again unless there are consequences.