Severe Weather Animal Alert Issued For Anne Arundel County Pets

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — A severe weather animal alert will be in effect 24/7 until 9 a.m. Thursday. In accordance with county law, when the Anne Arundel County executive declares a severe weather emergency and warming centers are open, any dog left unattended outside must have the following:

• Fresh, clean and drinkable non-frozen water at all times in a non-tip bowl
• Dry bedding or a resting board inside the dog house
• If the dog is in an enclosure, the minimum enclosure must be 100 square feet for dogs weighing less than 80 pounds, 150 square feet for dogs weighing more than 80 pounds and an additional 50 square feet for each dog under 80 pounds in the same enclosure with an additional 75 square feet for each dog over 80 pounds in the same enclosure.
• A dog house with no interior metal surfaces that protects the animal against wind, snow and cold that is raised at least 2 inches off the ground

Dogs cannot be tethered unless temperatures are above 33 degrees and the dog is supervised at all times. Failure to comply with the above requirements could result in civil citations with fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, removal of the animal and/or criminal prosecution.

Officials ask that if anyone sees an animal outside without the minimum protections required by law to call 410-222-3939.