TRENTON In 2017, then-Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill that prohibits leaving dogs outside in extreme cold or heat for extended periods of time.
The bill was sponsored by several lawmakers from South Jersey, which had several incidents of dogs being left outside in the cold.
Dogs, domestic companion animals, service animals and other pets would not be allowed to be left outside longer than 30 minutes in temperatures above 90 degrees or below 32 degrees between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., or during wind, rain, snow, ice, sleet, or hail unless the animal has unlimited access to proper shelter.
A first offense has a fine of $100 and a $200 fine for a second offense, both at the discretion of the court. For a third offense, penalties already levied under existing animal cruelty laws would apply and allow for fines up to $1,000 and the confiscation of an animal in certain circumstances.