As arctic air rushes into Northeast Ohio, animal control officers are now responding to reports of dogs and cats left outside in the cold without proper protection.
Baird said this is a good time to remind people of a “tethering” ordinance in Cleveland that prohibits pets from being left outside and restrained in severe weather.
According to Officer Baird, Municipal Code 603.092 states that, “You can’t tie your dog outside when you’re not at home or there’s a National Weather Advisory, which is what we’re experiencing.”
A tether is any “rope, chain, cord, dog run, pulley or similar restraint” that holds an animal in place.
Baird says most animals just can’t survive the excruciating subzero temperatures and punishing wind chills.
Far too often, both dogs and cats are found frozen to death.
“We find them, they’re all hunched up in a corner or trying to get under a car and that’s where they’ve unfortunately died,” said Baird.
If an animal freezes to death, Baird says the owner or caretaker will more than likely be charged with Animal Cruelty.
According to Ohio’s Revised Code, Animal Cruelty is a misdemeanor of the first degree on a first offense and a felony of the fifth degree on each offense following, punishable by up to a year in jail and $2,500 fine.
The first violation of Cleveland’s tethering ordinance is currently a minor misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not more than $150. It’s a 4th degree misdemeanor on the second offense, punishable by not more than a $250 fine and 30 days in jail. The third offense and any offense documented after are 1st degree misdemeanors, punishable by not more than a $1,000 fine along with 180 days in jail.
Animal control officers are now on call 24/7 and are prepared to respond to any reports of animals left outside in the cold unprotected. Chief Baird recommends people report any abuse to their local police department or by calling their local Animal Control officers.