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You Can Now Get Jail Time For Leaving Dogs In The Snow

by Luana SteffenOctober 5, 2019

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A cute puppy named Libre was thankfully rescued from a near-death situation in July 2016 from a Quarryville-area farm. Given the tragic state that it was found in, Pennsylvania state lawmakers were motivated to create new protections for animal cruelty during harsh weather conditions such as hot sun or snow.

In 2018, pet dogs in the United Kingdom were struggling and suffering during the heatwave, so much so, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals received up to 600 emergency calls about the poor animals! The country quickly took action. They issued a warning to pet owners about leaving their dogs trapped in hot cars – stating that If the owners were found guilty of doing this, they could be granted an unlimited fine and face jail time. This warning has insured that pet owners are more responsible when it comes to weather conditions and their pets.

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When the state of Pennsylvania noticing how effective the warning was in the U.K., they decided to do the same. State legislators have now passed a law that makes it illegal to leave dogs tied up for longer than 30 minutes if it’s either colder than 32 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The legislation, named Libre’s Law, is expected to prevent animal cruelty in which the owner subjects their pets to harsh weather conditions. Anyone found violating the law faces both a large fine as well as jail time from anywhere between six months to one year.

Bryan Langlois, medical director for the Pet Pantry of Lancaster County, said:

There were a lot of times we wanted to pursue serious charges against an individual but the law did not allow us to do this. The new law now finally sends the message that animal abusers will not just get away with a slap on the wrist and minimal fine.

Originally the law was inspired by Libre the dog, who was found in extremely terrible conditions in Southern Lancaster County. The seven-week old pup experienced immense trauma, neglect, and abuse from his owners. Luckily, a good Samaritan discovered him and informed the local animal rescuers who saved him from a lifetime of misery and pain. Since then, Libre has fully recovered. Kristen Tullo, director of the Humane Society in Pennsylvania, noted that studies have shown a correlation between animal abuse and domestic violence.

Jennifer Nields, the cruelty officer for the Lancaster County Animal Coalition, said:

This won’t stop cruelty, but it will put an emphasis on the importance of justice for their suffering. The laws are recognition of their pain and what they deserve.

Other states have previously established laws that prevent owners from chaining their dogs for long periods of time, but Pennsylvania is the first to specifically address the danger factor about doing it in extreme weather conditions. If you have a dog, you must protect them from harmful weather. Consistently check their paws for injury, and take them to the vet for regular checkups twice a year. If it’s too cold, invest in a warm pet sweater or coat so they can stay warm, just as you would do for yourself.

After all, why even have a pet if you will just treat them like garbage? Better not to have one if you won’t give them the love and respect they deserve.