Michiana residents reminded to protect pets during extreme heat

KNOX, Ind. -- Due to extreme heat that will be affecting Michiana, local towns' officials remind residents to take extra care to protect their pets.

Knox Mayor Dennis Estok released a statement stating, " Every responsible pet owner should be vigilant in making sure that their pets are protected from the elements in a structure meeting the minimum veterinary standards for protection from the elements. Pets should be able to stand, sit and lie down without restrictions in a safe and sanitary manner and have sufficient food and water at all times."

Estok reminds Knox residents, under Ordinance 1087, the City of Knox has the right to enforce the humane treatment of animals.

Pet owners found to be in violation of the ordinance will be given citations.

Officials say, if possible, pets should be brought inside or kept indoors during extreme conditions.

Indiana also has Indiana Code Title 35:

Criminal Law and Procedure § 35-46-3-7 Sec. 7 - A person who has a vertebrate animal in the person's custody and recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally abandons or neglects the animal commits cruelty to an animal, a Class A misdemeanor. However, except for a conviction under section 1 of this chapter, the offense is a Level 6 felony if the person has a prior unrelated conviction under this chapter.