Oklahoma City Council passed an emergency ordinance today requiring dog owners to protect their dogs when the temperature dips below 32 degrees.
Dog owners can no longer leave their dogs alone outside for more than 30-minutes during freezing weather.
A dog is still considered outside if it has access to an unheated doghouse or other unheated structure. If the structure has access to a heat source, the heat source can’t pose a danger to the pet. Vehicles are not considered adequate shelter.
“We learned a valuable lesson during last February ‘s record-breaking cold,” said Animal Welfare Superintendent Jon Gary. “We needed to protect these pets before their lives were in jeopardy. This is just another step in ensuring we maintain a humane community where animals are valued and protected. Our goal is to work with pet owners to keep their pets safe.”
People who violate the new ordinance can be fined up to $500.
OKC Animal Welfare, 2811 SE 29th Street, is open for adoptions from noon to 5:30 p.m. every day but holidays. For more information, visit okc.gov/animalwelfare or call (405) 297-3100.