By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

Illinois lawmakers have sent Governor Bruce Rauner legislation that would make leaving pets outside in extreme hot or cold weather punishable with jail time and fines.

Livingston County already had an ordinance in place protecting pets in those situations. Sheriff’s Deputy Tom Hardyman, who is also head warden for the county’s animal control department, explained dogs must have shelter and water, so in times of extreme heat or cold, the animal won’t have to draw upon its own body resources to keep warm or cool. He also said people can report these instances by calling 815-844-7171.

“That will get a dispatcher and an officer or deputy will be dispatched to the area to check the well-being of the animal and see if it has water, food and some type of shelter to protect it from the extreme heat or extreme cold,” Hardyman said.

If approved by the governor, the bill, SB0125, will make this offense a misdemeanor and offenders could face up to a year in jail and fines of up to $2,500.