Councilwoman Proposing Changes To Animal Care Ordinances

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Darlene Harris is proposing changes to the city's animal care ordinances.

Harris wants to require dog owners to meet certain requirements if they plan on leashing their dogs outside.

The requirements include types of collars and tethers that cannot be used, and making sure the dog has access to food, water and shelter.

The change would also make it illegal to keep dogs outside for more than a half hour if it's below 32 degrees or above 90 degrees.

Harris says the ordinance changes came about after an employee of the city of Pittsburgh called her about an animal on a porch in subzero weather last winter.

In a press release, Harris said: "This section of the animal code hasn't been updated since 1992. These amendments would institute best practices in place today for the care of a dog in the City of Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, we see some dog owners who don't appreciate their responsibilities to properly care for their pets. In instituting these common sense amendments, we provide city Animal Care and Control agents with the tools to insure that people responsibly care for their dogs."

She also planned to introduce an amendment that would set standards for dog houses, including making sure there is enough room inside and there's adequate bedding and shelter for the animal.

The council will vote on the bill in two weeks.

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