pet oxygen mask

A new Ohio law allows first responders to administer oxygen to dogs and cats in emergency situations.

(Alden Pellett, Associated Press)

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Bills that allow people to break into vehicles to save children and animals have been signed into law by Gov. John Kasich and a third will likely become law later this month.

One law protects people from civil liability and damages. Protection from civil liability would only apply if the person also calls the police or 9-1-1 and believes leaving the child or animal in the vehicle would lead to injury or death.

The law does not protect people who recklessly break into vehicles or do more damage than is necessary to save the child or animal.

The law's supporters said it would reduce the number of heatstroke-related deaths among children by allowing good Samaritans to act without hesitation. On a 78- degree day, the inside of a parked car can reach 100 or more degrees in minutes.

Another law allows paramedics, EMTs and firefighters to provide aid to dogs and cats when responding to a human emergency. First responders could open and maintain an airway, give mouth to snout ventilation, administer oxygen, control hemorrhage, stabilize fractures, bandage wounds and administer naloxone hydrochloride, also known as Narcan.

Both laws become effective in late August.

Goddard's Law, which increases the penalties for intentionally harming or killing a pet, was passed overwhelmingly in the House and Senate but has yet to be sent to Kasich's desk.

A Kasich spokeswoman declined to say Friday whether Kasich would sign, but he typically does not veto bills with broad support in both chambers.