Hey Michiganders… Did You Know That Leaving Your Pet(s) Outside During The Extreme Cold Could Leave You Facing Jail Time And Fines?
The Michigan Penal Codes require ALL animals have access to fresh water, food, and appropriate shelter…
Here’s what’s up…
(Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
If found guilty of violating these codes, you could be charged with a misdemeanor OR FELONY, which results in significant prison time and fines.
*It’s extremely important not to leave your pets outside in this severe cold weather as it affects animals just the same as it affects us.
Bob Gatt, manager of the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center, says “It’s very important that you don’t leave your pets out for too long,” said Gatt. “This cold weather will affect the animals just like it affects a human. An animal can suffer from hypothermia and die from the cold in just a matter of moments in the kind of weather we will experience in the next couple of days.”
(Photo by Eleanor Riley/Getty Images)
We encourage our pet owners for the next couple days to only let your pet out to do their business and bring them back inside.
You should also watch them as they are outside, and once back inside dust their feet as you would yourself or purchase doggy shoes to protect their feet from the salt (which often burns the pads on their feet) and snow.
Penalties if found guilty of violating the Michigan Penal Code…
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Newsmakers)
*If the violation involved one animal, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by one or more of the following:
Up to 93 days in jail
Up to $1,000 in fines
Up to 200 hours of community service
*If the violation involved two or three animals or the death of any animal, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by one or more of the following:
Up to one year in prison
Up to $2,000 in fines
Up to 300 hours of community services
*If the violation involved four to nine animals or the person had one prior conviction, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by one or more of the following:
Up to two years in prison
Up to $2,000 in fines
Up to 300 hours of community service
*If the violation involved 10 or more animals or the person had two or more prior convictions, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by one or more of the following:
Up to four years in prison
Up to $5,000 in fines
Up to 500 hours of community service
(Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
If you notice an animal being kept outside without proper food, shelter and water, please call your local county animal control center or your local police to report IMMEDIATELY.
All animals deserve proper care.