Pet owners in Illinois who leave animals in extreme heat or cold could get punished under a new bill.
Illinois lawmakers have sent Gov. Bruce Rauner legislation that would make leaving pets outside in extreme hot or cold weather punishable with jail time and fines.
The Illinois House approved the measure 104-11 on Tuesday. The state Senate passed it last month. It now needs approval from Rauner to become law.
The bill would make it a misdemeanor to expose dogs and cats to extreme temperatures. Offenders could face up to a year in jail and fines of up to $2,500.
Democratic state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz of Chicago says she is sponsoring the bill because of the death of dogs in subzero temperatures last winter.
Opponents of the measure say it goes too far and could affect farmers.
