Hudson Valley Pet Owners Could Face Fine for Keeping Pets Outside

A law is being proposed that would charge pet owners with a misdemeanor and fines of up to $250 for leaving spot outside for more than three hours.

The law is being brought to Albany this month in hopes of protecting animals and punishing owners who put their pets in danger. Animal owners who leave their pets outside in freezing or excessively hot temperatures for more than three hours would not only face fines, but they would also have their pets taken from them. Currently pet owners are just ticketed for not bringing their animals inside to protect them from the elements.

According to the New York Post, this law is just one of many animal protective measures that are being decided upon in Albany. Another law would require pet stores to give detailed care instructions to customers purchasing hamsters and other small animals. A controversial law that would make the practice of declawing cats illegal is also up for debate.

We want to know what you think. Should animal owners lose their pets if they keep them outside in extreme temperatures? Or do you think the punishment is too harsh? Let us know in the comments section below.