ROCKVILLE, Md. (WUSA9) -- As cold temperatures begin to move into the D.C. area for the next few days, Montgomery County announced Monday night that it will enforce its anti-cruelty tethering laws for dogs.
Under the law, county residents are forbidden from tethering dogs outside during "circumstances that endanger its health, safety, or well-being including: unattended tethering of the dog during a weather emergency." The law, which carries a $500 penalty, is enacted during periods of extreme heat or cold.
The county's animal services department is reminding people to be careful with all pets during the cold weather and bringing them inside is probably the best thing to do, even if they are used to living outside.
For livestock animals, the county recommends sheltering them in a place where they can escape the wind and have dry bedding to protect them from frostbite.
Anyone in Montgomery County that sees an animal left outside that appears to be in danger is asked to call animal services at 301-279-8000.
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