Cranston OKs dog protection ordinance

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - The Cranston City Council has approved an ordinance designed to protect pets from abusive owners.

According to the group Defenders of Animals , councilors voted unanimously Monday night to set new limits on how long dogs can be left outside in harsh weather.

The Cranston Herald reports that the ordinance also dramatically increases existing fines for pets left outside for extended periods of time without food or water:

• 1st Offense:  $100 Fine (up from $15)
• 2nd Offense:  $200 Fine and possible seizure of pet (up from $25 fine)
• 3rd Offense:  $400 Fine, and seizure of pet (up from $50 fine)

Those penalties also apply to people who leave their pet chained, leashed, or penned outside in unsafe weather for more than thirty minutes.

Cranston is the third Rhode Island city to pass such an ordinance.  East Providence and Warwick are the others.