01/21/2020
Horry County Police Department
BELOW 45° F, BRING THEM INSIDE! 🥶❄️🐶
With freezing temps across the area, community members are reminded to follow the rules of proper sheltering for animals.
Under Horry County Government Ordinance 112-18: ‘Care and Treatment’, an animal may not be “tethered outside during extreme weather, including, but not limited to, temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, snow, hail, tornadoes, thunderstorms, tropical storms, or hurricanes.”
During excessively hot or cold temps, all owners of animals must take appropriate measures to protect animals.
Measures to protect from extreme temperatures include bringing the animal inside the family home, or providing another ‘proper shelter,’ which is defined as a dog-house or house-like structure. If utilizing a dog house, the animal must be provided with a means to retain heat, such as blankets.
The penalty for exposing an animal to extreme temperatures can include up to 30 days in jail or a $500 fine.
Please monitor the forecasts as temperatures drop!
HCPD's Environmental Team, which operates out of the Horry County Animal Care Center and specializes in animal cases, remains on hand to respond to animal emergencies.
To report a non-emergency, call 843-248-1520. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
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