Bill defends dogs from the dog days of summer and the dead of winter.

The Howard County Council passed a bill that would penalize dog owners from keeping them outside during times of extreme weather.

From The Baltimore Sun:

The County Council passed a bill Friday mandating that dogs must be protected from weather that could harm or kill them. It also requires proper shelters for dogs left unattended by owners for 30 minutes or more, specifying the size, type of bedding and access water at all times.

The bill, which is expected to be signed into law by County Executive Allan Kittleman, gives flexibility to animal control officials to determine what constitutes as too hot or too cold for the particular kind of dog. Owners in violation of the law are subject to fines ranging from $100-$500.

For more information read The Baltimore Sun.