New State Law Punishes Owners Who Leave Animals Out In The Cold
(CBS) -- As we head into a major cold snap Saturday, pet owners take note: a new state law punishes those who leave their animals out in the cold for long stretches.
WBBM's Nancy Harty reports the Humane Care for Animals act took effect at the beginning of the month, making it a Class A misdemeanor if a pet owner exposes a dog, cat or horse to life-threatening heat or cold.
Lake County (IL) encourages owners to limit how long pets are out in below-freezing temps, put coats on shorthaired animals and watch for signs of hypothermia or frostbite and keep animals away from deicers that can burn their feet.
A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by just under a year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines.
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