New animal control bill defines suitable shelter, unsafe weather conditions

WORCESTER CO., Md. – Every year, dogs are left out in the cold without proper shelter to protect them from the outside elements.

That’s why on Tuesday, Worcester County Commissioners voted to pass a bill that would make animal control laws stricter.

In the past, dogs in Worcester County could be left outside all year long, just as long as they had basic shelter, food and water, but that is now changing.

Heather Bahrami, a volunteer with the Worcester County Humane Society said, “The ultimate goal is to just give animal control power.”

On Tuesday, Worcester County leaders passed Bill 18-4, which defines what counts as a suitable shelter, what a tether and restraint are, and what weather conditions are considered unsafe to leave an animal out in.

Glen Grandstaff, the Chief Animal Control Officer for Worcester County said, “I mean they actually dictate what is proper shelter, proper bedding, extreme weather conditions, we can work with that now.”

Jessica Summers, the Shelter Manager at Worcester County Humane Society said, “They’re living, breathing creatures. They need comfort, they need shelter, they need water, they need their area to be dry and clean and safe for them. Some people just don’t realize exactly what they need, so this is an effort to make that clear for everybody.”

Under the new bill, a suitable shelter is considered a structure with secured sides, roof and floor to protect the animal from the elements.

As for weather, when temperatures fall below 32 degrees and a dog is left outdoors longer than 30 minutes, they must be provided continuous suitable shelter with adequate insulation, bedding and ventilation.

If temperatures rise above 85 degrees, the dog must be provided adequate shelter with proper ventilation and must have shade either natural or manmade provided at all times. The dogs house no longer is considered suitable shade.

If you don’t follow these rules, you could be cited.

The approval of this bill was a huge win for animal lovers who have been pushing for change for years.

Summers said, “I think we all shed a tear, it was kind of silly, but yeah, we feel great.”

Grandstaff said, “It’s a step in the right direction, a very good step in the right direction”

Animal Control told 47ABC they won’t begin citing people right away.

They will wait a bit to educate people about the new laws, and give them an opportunity to make changes.

Down the road, if there continues to be a problem, there will be citations.

As a reminder, if you ever see any animal being abused, call your local animal control so they can take action.