Animal Services Officers Enforcing Anti-Cruelty Conditions for Dogs Law; No Unattended Outdoor Tethering of Dogs During Extreme Hot Weather

For Immediate Release: Friday, August 12, 2016

Due to the National Weather Service’s prediction of heat indices of 100 and more degrees likely today through the next several days, the Director of the Montgomery County Animal Services Division Thomas Koenig is announcing enforcement of Executive Regulation 10-10AM, Anti-Cruelty Conditions for Dogs.

 

Section 11-D of the regulation states that “A person must not tether a dog under circumstances that endanger its health, safety, or well-being, including: unattended tethering of a dog during a weather emergency.” The penalty for violation is a $500 fine.

 

During the summer, this regulation will be enforced whenever and for as long as, the Weather Service issues an Excessive Heat Warning. At all times, owners are required to provide outdoor (non-tethered) dogs with proper shelter and protection from the elements.

 

Montgomery County Animal Services officers want to remind citizens to be particularly careful with all pets during this period of extreme heat and humidity. The best advice during periods of extreme weather conditions is to bring pets indoors.

 

If you see an animal left outside that appears to be in danger, please notify Animal Services officers by calling the police non-emergency number 301-279-8000.

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Release ID: 16-439
Media Contact: Lucille Baur 240-777-6507