HB 5577 Summary

• Adds definition of "adverse environmental conditions" for dogs, including temperatures below 32°F or above 90°F, high winds, rain, snow, ice, sleet, and hail.

• Establishes specific shelter requirements for dogs, including adequate ventilation, clean water access, light exposure, appropriate dimensions allowing the dog to stand and turn around, and moisture-proof construction with raised floor and extended roof.

• Prohibits leaving dogs outside and unattended during adverse environmental conditions without shelter access, and requires adequate shade and insulation bedding for outdoor dogs.

• Requires dog owners to evacuate with their pets during emergency evacuations or deliver them to safe facilities like animal control shelters, or secure them indoors with emergency responders notified of their location.

• Adds new criminal penalties for violations involving tethering of dogs during certain activities, with maximum penalties ranging from 93 days imprisonment and $1,000 fine for single animal violations to 7 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine for 25+ animals or multiple prior convictions.