$1,000 Fine for Pet Owners Who Neglect Animals

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — With the weekend snowstorm sweeping across the area, Prince George’s County authorities say if it’s too cold out for you, it’s too cold for your pets.

Prince George’s County Animal Services authorities say fines can range from $100 to $1,000 depending on the number of offenses if residents don’t properly care for their pets.

The county’s animal management office offers these tips to give your pets the extra care they need during the cold winter months.

If your dog stays outdoors in cold weather, the law requires you to provide:

• A dog house of proper size that is dry, draft free and raised off the ground
• A wind flap attached to the dog house to keep cold air out and warm air in
• Bedding that is non-absorbent such as straw or wood shavings to help keep the dog warm
• Drinking water that is not frozen and in a secured container to prevent tipping

Other cold weather safety tips include:

• Keep cats, puppies under six months and small or short-haired dogs inside
• Increase the amount of their food - outdoor dogs need more calories in the winter to produce body heat
• Never let your dog off their leash in the snow or ice; they can become disoriented and lost, even in a familiar place. Be sure your pet has an ID tag, microchip and sturdy leash.
• Wipe your pet’s paws after an outing with a wet cloth to remove any ice or chemicals used to melt snow on sidewalks that can irritate their paws. Salt can irritate or burn, as well as cause vomiting and in some pets, can even cause seizures. Antifreeze has a sweet, attractive smell to pets and can be deadly if ingested.
• Keep your pets indoors during freezing temperatures. If left unattended outdoors they can get frostbite or become disoriented and freeze to death.
• Don’t leave your pet in a closed car in the winter because it can be just as deadly as in the summer.
• If you have bunnies that live outside, make sure they have a warm, dry hutch with plenty of bedding that is out of the wind. Water is important, along with extra food. Cover the hutch with a tarp.
• If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on your car hood before starting the engine to give them a chance to escape. Cats like to seek shelter from the cold and can be under the hood of your car.