New, tougher animal cruelty laws take effect on Monday, August 28 in Pennsylvania. The package of bills is the first major strengthening of these statutes in the last 30 years.
A key component involves changes in tethering and conditions for outside dogs. You’ll no longer be allowed to tie your dog outside for more than nine hours in a 24 hour period, without a break, or during extreme temperatures.
The law also increases the protection for horses.
Officers will be able to file felony charges for first offenses against animals. They, along with veterinarians will also have civil immunity for reporting animal cruelty.
Finally, people convicted of animal cruelty must surrender their animal .
