Leaving your pet out in the cold could cost you in Philadelphia

A Philadelphia City Councilman wants to fine people who leave Fluffy or Fido out in the cold. 

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson says he’s heard too many bad stories about pets being left outside in freezing temperatures.

“Some community residents were asking what is the city doing about it what type of laws are on the books, so I talked to my staff to do some research and one make sure that individuals weren’t neglecting their pets, specifically dogs but the bill addresses both dogs and cats,” Johnson said.

He says Philadelphia’s city code is silent on the matter.  His bill would require pet owners to protect their dogs and cats from extreme heat or cold.

“There’s a penalty if you leave your dog outside below 32 degrees in cold weather and above 85 degrees,” Johnson said. “It puts pet owners on notice that the city is watching.”

Johnson says he would never put his dog outside in extreme temperatures.