Bring Pets Indoors As Temperatures Plunge Or Face Fines

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Anne Arundel County authorities have issued a Severe Weather Animal Alert as overnight lows are forecast to drop to about 13 degrees; when the wind chill is factored in, it’s dangerous for people and their pets. "Unfortunately we’ve already had to remove some dogs from outdoors since they did not have proper protections," animal control officials posted on Facebook. "Please ensure you are following the laws when pets are outside."

Indoor pets should be allowed out for short supervised periods and if a pet is an outdoor pet it must have protection from the elements, and non-frozen water. Failure to meet the minimums may lead to impoundment of animals, heightened fines and/or criminal charges.

In accordance with the law, when the county executive declares a severe weather animal emergency, pets left outside unattended must be provided with:

• Fresh clean drinkable non-frozen water at all times
• Dog flaps/doors must be affixed to dog houses (and dogs must be trained/able to use the house with the flap)
• Dog house entrances must be oriented away from prevailing winds
• Dog houses must be elevated off the ground (at least 2 inches and above any accumulated precipitation)
• Dog houses must have abundant dry bedding available inside
• Dog houses must protect an animal against the weather. A dog house, shed, garage or other large area that has temperatures that reach below 33 degrees Fahrenheit inside is too large to allow a dog to maintain adequate body temperature to sustain life will be considered insufficient.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in civil citation with fines ranging from $125 to $1,000, removal of the animal, and/or criminal prosecution depending on the conditions found, such as abuse or neglect of an animal by leaving dogs outside and unattended by use of restraints.

If you see an animal left outside that appears to be in danger, call Animal Control immediately at (410) 222-8610 (police non-emergency) or 911 if you see a pet suffering from exposure to the elements without proper protection.

Image via Shutterstock