New Illinois Law Punishes Pet Owners for Leaving Pets Outdoors

Those who leave their pets outdoors in extreme cold or heat will now pay the price.

Just because our cats and dogs are covered in fur doesn't mean that they're conditioned to spend long periods of time in the cold; in contrast, because of their fur, they're also not meant to spend extended periods of time in the heat. They're a lot like humans, they need the proper protection under extreme weather conditions and failure to protect your pets could now cost you.

Governor Rauner signed legislation on Friday making it a misdemeanor if cats or dogs suffer any injuries or die as a result of their human's leaving them outdoors when it's extremely hot or cold.  If caught, the offense is punishable by a fine of up to $2500 or a year in jail; the decision to impose anything less is at the discretion of the judge. The new law will go into effect January 1st.

We need a law like this in Wisconsin. In the last year we've had two neighbors completely neglect their animals. One neighbor just packed up all his things and moved; leaving his cat locked out and behind. For three months the cat roamed the neighborhood and many of us fed him and gave him shelter, but no one could take him in as their own. My husband was able to find the cat, who we called Bones because he was skin and bones, a home and he got his forever promise last Halloween.

Our other neighbor left their dog, who's now known as Buster, outside for days. He would just lay in his yard; barking and moaning all hours of the night. That's when another neighbor went to their house and insisted they give up the dog and let them take care of Buster instead. Without hesitation, they gave up custody immediately and Buster has never been happier.

Thankfully both animals had their happy ending and hopefully this new law will save hundreds of animals in the state of Illinois.