Jefferson City Council approves outdoor animal protection ordinance

Jefferson City council members voted unanimously in favor of a proposed bill that would set better standards for pets that are housed outside.

The bill, sponsored by 2nd Ward Councilman J. Rick Mihalevich, now allows animal control workers to temporarily impound dogs outside in extreme cold or hot weather conditions even if the owner isn’t home.

Mihalevich said it’s the most humane thing to do for the animals and will also help protect property rights.

According to the ordinance, extreme weather means anything less then 30 degrees and more than 90 degrees.

The city will then work with the owner to provide more appropriate shelter for the dog based on its breed, age, size and current health conditions.