Pa. county passes ordinance to protect dogs from extreme temperatures

One Pennsylvania county ishelping itsfour-legged friends when the weather gets frightful.

A new ordinance in Luzerne County prohibits owners from “leaving dogs outside and unattended for more than 30 minutes if the temperature drops below 26 degrees, rises above 92 degrees or if the National Weather Service issues a severe weather advisory,” the Citizens Voice reported.

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Enforcement will be handled by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which can temporarily confiscate dogs whose owners do not comply with the ordinance, according to Citizens Voice.

First-time offenders will receive a notice of violation. Violators then face a fine of up to $500 as well as “shelter and enforcement costs.”

Neighbors are also encouraged to report if dogs are left out in extreme temperatures for too long, WNEP reported, which added that municipalities in Luzerne County have 15 months to decide if they want to opt of the ordinance before it takes effect.