NORTH CAPE MAY – Officer Chelsea Lippincott of Shore Animal Control issued the first summons earlier this year under the Extreme Weather Pet Ordinance.
The ordinance was enacted in 2015. Lower Township and seven other municipalities in Cape May County passed the ordinance focusing on the well-being of animals.
Chapter 166:1 reads: F. “In extreme weather below 32 degrees and above 90 degrees and in major storms where evacuation is recommended, all outdoor dogs and indoor/outdoor cats (with the exception of feral cats) must be brought indoors whether tethered or kenneled, unless the kennel is heated or air conditioned in accordance with the safety code. Indoors will include any area of the residence and shall conform to the above temperature specifications and must be adequately ventilated.”
The ordinance requires dogs and cats (with the exception of feral cats), be brought indoors when temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and above 90 degrees Fahrenheit unless a heated/air conditioned kennel is provided.
On Feb. 10, Lippencott observed a dog with frozen water during below-freezing temperatures while on patrol in North Cape May.
Pet owner Anthony Jackson was served a summons in violation of the Extreme Weather Pet Ordinance with the help of local authorities.
Jackson pled guilty and was fined.
The ordinance permits fines to range from not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 per offense.
Linda Gentille of Shore Animal Control urges pet owners to be diligent with the fluctuating weather. With the temperatures changing so drastically many simply don’t realize when the temperature drops below freezing.
When the weather drops, animal control patrols throughout the county. With eight animal control officers, the teams’ goal is the safety of all domestic animals.
To contact Johanna Hovik, email jhovik@cmcherald.com.
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