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Monday, November 20, 2017

Law makes it illegal to leave pets outside in freezing temps for too long

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (WKRC) - A new law in Pennsylvania that aims to protect dogs during cold weather could put owners behind bars, according to a report by WHTM.

The bill states that you could end up in jail or paying fines if you leave your dog outside in freezing temperatures without adequate shelter for more than 30 minutes.

Penalties could include fines ranging from $50-$750 and 90 days in jail for a summary offense. For a third-degree felony, owners could receive up to a $15,000 fine and seven years in prison.

“Your doghouse that you have should keep them dry. If it rains and that freezes, that’s awful. Please make sure that they can get out of the elements and they can get into the dog house and not actually be rained on. Have it raised off the ground if you can,” said Jennifer Vanderau, communications director for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter.

Locals have been instructed to contact the county humane officer if they see a dog left outside in the cold.

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8 comments:

Anonymous said...

To 9:31 They were treated Inhumanely, as
some still are. That's why the
Law !
Hope every State does the same !!

Anonymous said...

Animals survived in the natural environments. Chained to a tree in your backyard isn't natural environment...

Anonymous said...

I hope common sense is used with this law. I have a dog that came from Europe. She will literally lay sprawled out in the yard during a snow storm. Some dogs really are used to it.

Anonymous said...

Good! Show some responsibility.

Anonymous said...

I have dogs and the have a outside shed and a large fenced area to run free in so don't even compare.

Anonymous said...

Sled dogs are kept outside in Alaska all year.

Anonymous said...

Perhaps the day will come when we’ll show the same concern for our fellow man.

Anonymous said...

11:48 sled dogs are bred for that, and are working dogs...and the responsible owners have shelters for them when they are not on the Iditarod! The animals that are at risk are the same ones owned by A-holes that leave them out in 100 degree heat with no water or shelter...most dogs today have been bred for some specialty or another, and are not physically suited to be out in that type of weather for extended periods of time without proper shelter/food/water.