Attn: Pet Owners

Attention pet owners: As of November 1, House Bill 1580 went into effect. A person owning or keeping a dog confined outside in accordance with subsection B of this section shall provide the dog with access to clean water, food and appropriate dog shelter. The dog shelter shall be fully enclosed on at least three sides, roofed and have a solid floor. The entrance to the shelter shall be flexible to allow the dog’s entry and exit and sturdy enough to block entry of weather elements. The shelter shall contain clean bedding and shall be small enough to retain the dog’s body heat and large enough to allow the dog to stand, lie down and turn comfortably. The enclosure shall be structurally sound and in good repair. Suitable drainage shall be provided so that water, ice or waste is not in or around the shelter. Fines for violating the provisions of House Bill 1580 start at $50 for the 1 offense, $200 for the 2 offense, and $500 for the 3 offense and be subject to impoundment of the animal in the local pound at the owner’s expense pending compliance with this section, or loss of ownership of the animal.