SALEM, OR -- A bill that would make it easier for officers to rescue dogs in overheated cars during the summer, just passed the state senate.  Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend) sponsored the legislation that allows peace officers to enter cars and impound animals if they're in distress. "Under current Oregon law, a peace officer probably wouldn't enter the car.  But Senate bill 614 clarifies the law and protects peace officers to enter the vehicle and rescue the dog in the vehicle."

The bill specifially deals with animals in motor vehicles.  It allows officers to enter the car and provide the animals with food, water and emergency medical treatment.  They may also impound the animal.