it’s pawsomely important for dog owners to remember: bring your furry friends indoors! Leaving them outside for extended periods in the cold and snow has unfortunately been a reality for some pups. Thankfully, change is afoot! In Pennsylvania and other states, new laws are making it a felony to leave a dog outside for too long in extreme temperatures.
Libre’s Law, enacted in Pennsylvania in June 2017, is a beacon of hope for animal welfare. Named after a brave dog who survived horrific neglect, this law safeguards pets from cruelty, neglect, and abuse. Libre, a victim of “backyard breeding,” was found near death in an outdoor enclosure. Only thanks to the unwavering efforts of his rescuers and veterinarians did he pull through.
Part of Libre’s Law states that pets cannot be left outside in harsh winter conditions; if temperatures go below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, dogs cannot be tied up outside for more than 30 minutes. In the summer, this rule switches to temperatures of more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ignoring the warnings comes with a steep price tag! Owners caught leaving their pups in the cold face serious animal cruelty charges. These charges can bite with fines up to $15,000 and even jail time as long as seven years. However, there are loopholes. The law allows some exceptions for tethering dogs used for hunting or specific sporting events.pen_spark
Hopefully, this new law will deter some dog owners from mistreating their dogs this winter and leaving them outside in frigid temperatures. The purpose of the law is to prevent the type of cruelty that nearly cost Libre his life and that has cost the lives of many other pets.
A good rule of thumb is to remember that if it’s too cold outside for you, then it’s too cold for your dog. Dogs can suffer from hypothermia, when the dog’s body temperature falls well below normal, and that can lead to a dogs’ death. Frostbite can also affect dogs left in the cold for too long and most commonly impacts the paws, ears and tail. Dogs with shorter coats are especially susceptible to these conditions.
If you see a dog left out in the cold, call the county sheriff’s office or animal control officer. Report what you see, including the time, date, location and type of animal involved. Follow up respectfully with your contact within a few days’ time. Finally, reach out to a local or national humane society for further counsel on the situation.
It’s cold out there right now, and your pets are part of your family. Remember to bring them in and keep them warm and loved.