$1K Fine For Anne Arundel Pet Owners During Cold Spell

ANNAPOLIS, MD — With wind chills expected to drop to 20s overnight on Christmas Day and Dec. 26, Anne Arundel County authorities will enact a severe weather animal emergency and be on the lookout for pets tied up and left unattended outside. Dog owners face a maximum fine of $1,000 for violating the anti-animal cruelty ordinance.

County fire officials said Friday with temperatures in the 50s and 60s about to give way to lows in the upper teens and a chance of snow by late in the weekend it's time to prepare your pet for winter. If left outdoors, pets can be susceptible to frostbite, hypothermia, disorientation, or getting lost.

"If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet," the fire department said. "Keep your animals inside. Don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather. Cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold."

The best advice during extreme weather conditions is to bring pets indoors, say county officials. Even animals that are used to living outdoors can be susceptible to the dangers of cold weather.

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

• 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 a 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.

Follow this cold weather advice from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:

• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. A longer coat will provide more warmth. If your dog is short-haired, consider getting him a coat with a high collar.
• Winter walks can be dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off bare paws. Bring a towel on walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws. After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt, and chemicals. Check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.
• Massaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectants into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents. Booties provide even more coverage.
• Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy pet bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

If you see an animal left outside that appears to be in danger, call Animal Control immediately at (410) 222-8900.

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