Humane officer: illegal to leave pets out in the cold
Since being sworn in as the Butler County humane police officer last summer, Janice Lawniczak has investigated 53 cases of animal abuse or neglect, 98 percent of them due to the extreme cold weather.
She said neighbors or passers-by contact her to report dogs tied outside in the sub-freezing temperatures. Lawniczak then visits the properties and informs the dog owners of updates to state law passed in August which prohibit pets from being tied outdoors for more than 30 minutes when the temperature is below 32 degrees or above 90 degrees.
She said once she tells a dog owner that they must bring their animal inside or leaves a note on the door, she drives by the next day to ensure the dog isn't still tied to a box.
“Everyone I've gone to has been very receptive to putting their animals inside,” Lawniczak said.
She said while dogs could once be left outside as long as they had straw or another insulating material in their box as well as fresh, unfrozen water, the new law does not permit any dogs to be tethered to a box for longer periods once the mercury dips below the freezing mark or rises above 90.
Those with concerns about an animal can contact Lawniczak by searching for “OVADA” or “Janicemariehpo” on Facebook.
A full story will appear in Thursday's Butler Eagle.
