Michael Hammons saved a dog from a hot car. He is now facing criminal trespassing charges for his heroism. We need your support to get the Oconee County District Attorney to drop the charges.

On May 14, 2015, Michael was in a parking lot and heard a bystander say "there's a dog in that car". It was in the 80s that day and the temperature in the car would have been over 100 degrees. Mr. Hammons grabbed the leg of his wife's wheelchair and smashed the window to rescue the dog. The dog was immediately taken to shade and provided water.

When the owner of the dog arrived, she pressed charges and forced the police to arrest Michael. Oconee County Chief Deputy Lee Weems said, "We would not have made those charges on our own. The deputies on scene say the owner of the dog and the car were very insistent that he be charged with criminal trespassing."

Witnesses said the dog had been in the car over 5 minutes. It can only take minutes for a dog to die of heatstroke. Mr. Hammons saw a dog in peril and took action. We should be thanking him, not charging him with a crime.

The owner was cited by animal control officials for leaving the dog in the hot car, but it is Mr. Hammons who faces serious charges. What is the real crime: breaking a window that can be replaced to save a life, or putting the life of an animal that depends on you at risk?

Michael Hammons should not be charged with a crime for saving a helpless dog. Tell the Oconee District Attorney to dismiss the charges.