COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Until a new law was passed this spring, it was against the law in Ohio for firefighters or emergency responders to provide basic first aid to dogs and cats rescued from house fires, car crashes or other crisis situations.
Only licensed veterinarians could do that.
The legislation passed recently makes Ohio one of the first states to protect first responders who administer lifesaving aid to pets in crisis. Animal advocates say they hope the law removes hesitation for first responders who might have concerns about tending to injured pets.
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The law will allow first responders to -- without fear of liability -- provide oxygen, perform mouth-to-snout resuscitation, try to stem bleeding, bandage and even administer the overdose antidote naloxone to dogs or cats that have ingested opiates.
