With extreme cold weather being forecast for the region, a timely reminder is provided for dog owners who may tether their animals outside. During periods of extreme heat or cold there are often questions that arise related to the statutory requirements concerning the tethering of dogs outdoors. The NLCRPD is providing the following informative guidance taken from the existing Commonwealth Statute. The key area of guidance from this statute related to extreme weather is the requirements set forth in the following paragraph: (iv) The dog has not been tethered for longer than 30 minutes in temperatures above 90 or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The statute is as follows:

Cruelty to Animals. § 5536. Tethering of unattended dog

(1) Tethering an unattended dog out of doors for less than nine hours within a 24-hour period when all of the following conditions are present shall create a rebuttable presumption that a dog has not been the subject of neglect within the meaning of section 5532 (relating to neglect of animal):

(i) The tether is of a type commonly used for the size and breed of dog and is at least three times the length of the dog as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail or 10 feet, whichever is longer.

(ii) The tether is secured to a well-fitted collar or harness by means of a swivel anchor, swivel latch or other mechanism designed to prevent the dog from becoming entangled.

(iii) The tethered dog has access to potable water and an area of shade that permits the dog to escape the direct rays of the sun.

(iv) The dog has not been tethered for longer than 30 minutes in temperatures above 90 or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.