The Vermont Statutes Online
The Vermont Statutes Online does not include the actions of the 2024 session of the General Assembly. We expect them to be updated by November 1st.
NOTE: The Vermont Statutes Online is an unofficial copy of the Vermont Statutes Annotated that is provided as a convenience.
Title 12 : Court Procedure
Chapter 201 : Immunity from Liability
(Cite as: 12 V.S.A. § 5784)-
§ 5784. Forcible entry of motor vehicle to remove unattended child or animal
A person who forcibly enters a motor vehicle for the purpose of removing a child or animal from the motor vehicle shall not be subject to civil liability for damages arising from the forcible entry if the person:
(1) determines the motor vehicle is locked or there is otherwise no reasonable method for the child or animal to exit the vehicle;
(2) reasonably and in good faith believes that forcible entry into the motor vehicle is necessary because the child or animal is in imminent danger of harm;
(3) notifies local law enforcement, fire department, or a 911 operator prior to forcibly entering the vehicle;
(4) remains with the child or animal in a safe location reasonably close to the motor vehicle until a law enforcement, fire, or other emergency responder arrives;
(5) places a notice on the vehicle that the authorities have been notified and specifying the location of the child or animal; and
(6) uses no more force to enter the vehicle and remove the child or animal than necessary under the circumstances. (Added 2015, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 24.)
