If you leave your pet outside during extreme heat or cold, you could be looking at a Class A misdemeanor.

It breaks my heart hearing stories or seeing video on the internet of animals left outside to fend for themselves in extreme weather conditions.

Illinois Law punishes those who leave pets in extreme weather
achy1962, ThinkStock
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Your poor animal should not be treated that way. It should not be left outside in extreme heat to fend for itself with no water or food in sight. Your animal should not be left to shiver in the snow when the temperatures get too cold.

Now, if an animal owner leaves their pet outside in these extreme weather conditions, they could face a Class A misdemeanor under Illinois law.

Gov. Bruce Rauner, according to WIFR, signed legislation Friday. If a cat or dog is injured or dies because of extreme weather, the offender is facing a fine up to $2,500 or up to one year in jail.

This new law goes into effect on January 1, 2016.

 

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