{"data":{"id":"us-vt/12-v.s.a.-5784","jurisdiction":"us-vt","citation":"12 V.S.A. § 5784","heading":"Forcible entry of motor vehicle to remove unattended child or animal","body":"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:\n(1) determines the motor vehicle is locked or there is otherwise no reasonable method for the child or animal to exit the vehicle;\n(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;\n(3) notifies local law enforcement, fire department, or a 911 operator prior to forcibly entering the vehicle;\n(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;\n(5) places a notice on the vehicle that the authorities have been notified and specifying the location of the child or animal; and\n(6) uses no more force to enter the vehicle and remove the child or animal than necessary under the circumstances.","path":["Title 12: Court Procedure","Chapter 201: Immunity from Liability"],"source_url":"https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/12/201/05784","current_through":"2025 session","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-05T16:58:57Z","sha256":"f60070a1fad5c183c94c4de90abf13083fd16344edec6da0ad1a2d9a39f304da","source_id":"us-vt","stale":false,"prev":"us-vt/12-v.s.a.-5783","next":"us-vt/12-v.s.a.-5791"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}