Things just got better when it comes to securing that dogs are treated well and truly taken care of. And Pennsylvania is proudly leading the way when it comes to authentic animal welfare!
Statistics show the increasing incidents of neglected dogs and Pennsylvania lawmakers crafted a law to face the crisis head-on. Given that humans can be irresponsible and selfish, it is but right that certain parameters are placed to protect dogs from the bad behavior of their owners.
No dog, or animal for that matter, deserves to be abused and neglected. To prevent situations that lead to dogs being treated with cruelty and neglect, a law has been passed ordering the imprisonment of owners that fail to give due care to their pets.
House Bill 1238 or Libre’s Law is all about ensuring that all pets are protected and taken care of. It criminalizes acts of abuse, torture, cruelty, and neglect that leads to severe injury or death. A person who would be found guilty of committing such acts can face years of imprisonment and a fine.
The law specifically singled out the act of leaving dogs out during winter. The law mandated that when temperatures go beyond 90°F or below 32°F, dogs must not be left outside for more than 30 minutes. Once dogs are left out for more than 30 minutes during such circumstances, criminal charges can already be filed.
So from now on, all must be extra careful when it comes to letting dogs out during harsh weather. During extreme weather conditions, leaving them out for more than 30 minutes can lead to felony charges with seven years of imprisonment and a $15,000.00 fine as punishment. The law applies to all pets.
Should you be aware of any situation where a dog or any animal is treated cruelly, tortured, abused, or neglected, please call 911.