Thanks all for your support and thoughtful responses, and to some of you, for your work in developing legislation to prevent this type of animal abuse! It is very frustrating to witness. Now that I know the parameters, I will not hesitate to call the police if I see this behavior again, although I honestly hope that doesn't happen. I of course would rather not get police involved, especially when it's 11 o'clock at night and all I want to do is get back to sleep and get my toddler back to sleep - hence, why I opted to vent my frustration and plea for help on the listserve... I'm glad this conversation is happening, and grateful for the resources shared. Best, Erica On Tue, Feb 3, 2015 at 12:52 PM, Mary Withrow <MWithrow@animalrescue.org> wrote:
The ordinance is no longer than 30 minutes when below 32 degrees or above 90 degrees. A St. Bernard is going to be warmer than a pit bull for example, and some breeds do love being outside. Responsible pet owners need not worry, Animal Control knows who the "repeat offenders" are and are patrolling and fortunately finding that the dogs are inside. The ordinance is to control those who tether their dogs 24/7 regardless of what type of shelter the dog has or what the temperature is outside. I have attached a copy of the anti-tethering ordinance and if you MUST keep your dog outside, the perimeters for which is adequate shelter. The reason for the 32 degrees is that is when water freezes, and the cruelty statute states that dogs tethered outside must have water so we have to keep city ordinances in line with the state cruelty code.
If some of you would be interested, I am going to be doing a seminar on animal legislation including current legislation, and what you can do to help and how. This will be sometime in March with former Senator Roy Afflerbach who is an expert and has been a wonderful mentor to me. It's called "Humane PA 101." If you would like more information please email me! I'd love to have a big group! There is a LOT of legislation that has just been introduced as this is the start of a new session--2015-2016. Some of the bills are going to need a LOT of calls from constituents.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions about legislative matters or other animal related issues/questions.
Mary
Mary Kennedy Withrow Community Outreach Coordinator
Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center 6620 Hamilton Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Phone: 412-345-7300 x510 Mobile: 412-853-0796 Fax: 412-661-8726 www.animalrescue.org www.opendoorshelters.org "Like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/animalrescuelg HELP US COME TO THEIR RESCUE
P Please consider the environment before printing this email.
-----Original Message----- From: Meg Reilly [mailto:megaen@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2015 12:44 PM To: Mary Withrow Cc: Erica Peiffer; neighborhood@highlandparkpa.com Subject: Re: Dogs outside in the cold
Can you clarify what is longer than necessary? My St. Bernard mix likes to hang outside even in the cold for 10 minutes or so. But that may be too long for a small short haired breed. Thanks. Meg
On Feb 3, 2015, at 9:55 AM, Mary Withrow <MWithrow@animalrescue.org> wrote:
I just worked with Councilwoman Darlene Harris on implementing legislation for anti-tethering as well as severe weather and leaving dogs in those situations. Neighbors please it is now the law if you see a dog for what seems to be longer than necessary in this kind of extreme weather please call animal control or 911. Is became the law on December 17, 2014. Neighbors if you see it please report it!
Animal Control can be reached between the hours of 7 AM and 3 PM at 412-255-2036 and from the hours of 3 PM until 11 PM they can be reached at 412 255-2935. Please add those phone numbers to your contacts you may need them.
Thanks all!!
Mary Kennedy Withrow Community Outreach Coordinator
Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center Sent by my iPhone
On Feb 3, 2015, at 9:29 AM, Erica Peiffer <ericapeiffer@gmail.com> wrote:
Neighbors, I have been very disappointed to see (more appropriately, hear) several of you leave your dogs outside unattended on these coldest days and nights of winter. It is below freezing out there and your beloved pets deserve your attention, especially when it cries out in the only way it can, by barking incessantly. This is a nuisance at any time of day (or year) but is especially concerning late at night. Please be mindful of your pets safety and your neighbors sanity. If your not willing to brave the cold with your animal, don't leave it out.
Sent from my iPhone