Housing Requirements for Pennsylvania Dog Owners
It’s long been said that a dog is a man’s best friend. Dogs make for loyal companions—they can watch over property, aid with hunting, and with proper training they can even provide helpful assistance to people with medical conditions. As with every animal, certain care must be taken to protect both people and pets. Under Pennsylvania Statutes Title 3 P.S. Agriculture § 459-305, dog owners are required to safely confine and house their dogs.
Confinement and Control
This statute prohibits dog owners and dog keepers from allowing their dogs to roam freely. As a dog owner, you must keep your dog on your property. This can take the form of a collar and chain, a fence, or another device that confines the dog. As a dog owner, you are also required to keep your dog under “reasonable control” when walking the dog, hunting with the dog, exhibiting the dog, or otherwise taking it off of your property. There are obvious safety concerns for you, your dog, and other people you may encounter. By safely confining and controlling your dog, you can avoid things like the Dangerous Dog Registry and dog bites.
Housing
Along with confining and controlling a dog, this Pennsylvania statute also requires dog owners to safely house their dogs. This statue reads, “It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of a dog to house the dog for any period of time in a drum, barrel, refrigerator or freezer regardless of the material of which the drum, barrel, refrigerator or freezer is constructed.”
Failure to Comply can Result in a Criminal Charge
Failure to comply with this statute can result in a 3rd degree misdemeanor. This is the lowest level of criminal charge, but that doesn’t mean it comes without consequence. Third degree misdemeanors can result in up to 1 year of jail time and a maximum fine of $2,500. It will also give you a criminal record, which can impact future housing and job prospects.
If you need legal representation, Cornerstone Law Firm can help.
The attorneys at Cornerstone Law Firm can help you to protect your rights as a dog owner. If you need legal help, call us for a consultation. We’d be happy to review your case and discuss your options.
