As freezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills hit Chicago, Alderman Ray Lopez is once again trying to strengthen the city’s animal cruelty laws. He hopes that his third attempt at passing this ordinance will finally succeed in protecting pets from harsh weather conditions.
Lopez’s proposal, which he plans to introduce at the City Council meeting on Wednesday, aims to clearly define what pet owners can and cannot do, especially in extreme temperatures. The new rules would prohibit:
- Tying up any dog for more than two hours on private property. Female dogs in heat would not be allowed to be left tied up unattended at all.
- Leaving any animal tethered outside overnight (between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.) or for more than 30 minutes during the day if the temperature is below 45°F, or if a weather advisory is in place.
- Failing to provide necessary medical care based on standard veterinary practices. Pets must receive proper care if they are sick or injured, in addition to required rabies vaccinations.
- Abandoning or releasing an animal in a way that could cause it harm.
- Not providing essential needs like breed-appropriate food, water, air, and a clean, ventilated shelter that protects pets from extreme heat or cold.
The only exception to the no-tethering rule is if a proper shelter is provided. This shelter must be just big enough for the dog to stand up and turn around, have an entrance covered by wind-proof material, and contain clean, dry bedding such as straw for insulation. The space must also be protected from extreme temperatures and allow the pet to move around freely.
Violating these rules could result in a $5,000 fine per day for each offense, and the pet owner would be required to give up the animal.
Lopez has tried to pass similar laws under previous mayors, but his efforts were unsuccessful. However, he believes that recent cases of animal neglect and abuse—many of which have gone viral on social media—have made the need for stricter laws more urgent.
“There have been cases where pets were abandoned, tied to heavy objects, or left outside in freezing conditions,” Lopez said. “We need to act now to prevent more suffering.”
As a lifelong dog lover who owns six dogs, five of them rescues, Lopez is passionate about animal welfare. He also believes that cracking down on animal cruelty can help reduce other crimes in Chicago.
“If we want a safer, more compassionate city, we need to protect our animals and hold abusers accountable,” he said.
