Dog Days - Keep Your Pets Inside!

Many of you will remember that, earlier this year, the Plainfield City Council passed an ordinance (MC 2015-09)* to amend and supplement Chapter Five, Article Seven, concerning the care and treatment of animals. We amended Section Eleven and added Sections 6A and 6B. This was in response to what happened to Buddy, a Plainfield dog who became a local media sensation after his story of being kept outside in impossibly cold weather went (sort of viral) on social media. Part of the ordinance changed the laws on tethering animals, and the other part (Section 6B) made it illegal to keep an animal outside and unattended in extreme weather--either under 32 degrees or OVER 85 degrees. 

The weather outlook for today fits the parameters of the ordinance--meaning, it is supposed to hit about 93 degrees, so make sure that pets are kept inside, cool, and hydrated, and follow the law. If you see an animal being mistreated, or kept outside in violation of the law, please contact the authorities.

Fines are as follows: Unless otherwise established by law, any owner or person who violates the rules and regulations set forth herein shall, in addition to any other fines or penalties established by State or local law, be subject to the penalties set forth in Section 5:9-2.* Sec. 5:9-2. Penalties. (a) For a first offense, a fine of not less than Seventy-Five Dollars ($75.00) nor more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00). (b) For a second or subsequent violation, a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00). *State law reference: As to penalties, see N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.19 and 26:4-94.

Rebecca

*Check the Municipal Code or Ordinances for the complete law.