Pet owners in Luzerne County face criminal charges if they leave animals outside for more than a half hour if the temperature is below 26 degrees, above 92 degrees, or during a severe weather advisory. That law takes effect March 1.
The ordinance, as recommended to council, would prohibit dogs from being kept outside unattended for more than 30 minutes when the National Weather Service has issued a severe weather warning for the county and/or when the
When these conditions exist, dogs would have to be moved into temperature-controlled lodging, which could include garages or basements of a residence, the proposal says.
Outdoor dog houses or kennels would not qualify as temperature-controlled lodging unless they are equipped with heating or air conditioning.
Dog owners who refuse to correct violations within a day would face the temporary seizure of their dogs and a summary violation carrying a fine up to $500, with each day of a violation treated as a separate offense.
Source: 2017: New Taxes, New Laws
