ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — An Athens man who saved a dog from a hot Mustang has been arrested for smashing a window to free the animal.

Multiple news outlets report Michael Hammons was charged with criminal trespassing after freeing a small Pomeranian mix in distress from a hot car outside an Athens store. Witnesses say while a group of shoppers waited for police to arrive to free the dog, the Desert Storm veteran took action and smashed the window.

Deputies say the car's owner insisted Hammons be arrested.

The woman, who deputies didn't identify, was cited for leaving the dog in the hot car.

Georgia state law allows an individual to break a window to save a child in distress, but not a pet. Animal advocates say they are working to change the law.