The article was one of the most read pieces that Petworth News has published, and for good reason. I received comments and emails from as far west as Oregon to northeast in New Hampshire, south to North Carolina and Florida. After the outcry from people in the District and around the country, D.C. Council members, the mayor’s office and the Humane Rescue Alliance all made announcements on plans to fix this type of issue from occurring in the future.

Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd got involved early in the day on Monday, and by Monday evening was preparing new legislation for the D.C. Council on animal welfare. The legislation, titled ”Extreme Weather Protection for Animals Act of 2017,” co-sponsored by councilmembers Elissa Silverman, Anita Bonds and Mary Cheh, seeks to amend DC Code § 22–1001 to clarify the conditions in which animals must be brought inside due to severe weather conditions, with failure to comply considered “cruelty to animals.” (See a PDF of the proposed legislation):

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The act would amend Title 22, Subtitle, 1 Chapter 10 ”Cruelty to Animals” to require that animals not be outside longer than 15 minutes when the Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency declares a Cold Emergency Alert or when the temperature falls or is expected to fall below 15 or 20 degrees Fahrenheit including wind-chill, and when:

1. Steady precipitation for 60 consecutive minutes

2.Snow accumulates 3 inches or more

3. Or other meteorological conditions or threats as determined by Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.

In a press release, Todd said, “When I was sworn-in last week, I pledged to be responsive and responsible to my constituents, and that is exactly why I am introducing this legislation. I am pleased to start a conversation around better protecting our animals, and look forward to discussing improvements to the bill with all stakeholders.”

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“It is our Government’s responsibility to protect our friends who cannot protect themselves,” Todd said. “It was truly heartwarming to see how many residents reached out yesterday with concern for Momma’s welfare.”