Leaving Pets Outside in Bad Weather Could Become a Crime

As the scheduled end of this legislative session in Springfield approaches, the budget situation is sucking up much of the attention. But other pieces of legislation are making their way through the House and Senate.

One bill heading for the Governor's desk would make it a crime to leave the family pet outside in extremely hot or cold weather. If convicted, violators would face up to a year in jail and a big fine.

According to the Chicago Tribune:

The bill would make it a Class A misdemeanor to expose dogs and cats to life-threatening situations for prolonged periods of time in extreme heat or cold. That level of offense is punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, though judges would have discretion to impose lesser sentences. Sponsoring Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, said the bill was inspired by recent cases of dogs freezing to death in subzero temperatures last winter.

It seems like a fairly decent idea and the bill did pass in the House on a 104-11 vote with little opposition. It was approved by the Senate last month.

Opponents said the bill goes too far in regulating what people do with their animals and could negatively affect farmers in particular.