TRENTON -- A new state law bans leaving pets chained up outside in bad weather for extended periods of time, creating penalties for owners and allowing authorities to take custody of pets in some cases.

The measure (S1640), signed by Gov. Chris Christie on Monday, prohibits leaving pets unsheltered outdoors when temperatures fall below freezing or reach 90 degrees.

It was introduced last year after a series of reports of dogs freezing to death while tied up outside.

"You would hope that pet owners would treat their animals with decency and provide them with a safe and healthy home environment, but sadly, that isn't always the case," said state Sen. Jim Holzapfel (R-Ocean), one of the bill's sponsors. "We must protect these animals and show that this kind of treatment will not be tolerated."

Under the new law, pet owners can face fines of $100 to $200 per incident if they're caught leaving their animals unattended in adverse weather for more than 30 minutes at a time.

The law requires pet owners to evacuate their animals during declared weather emergencies and permits local governments or humane societies to take custody of an animal owned by a repeat offender.

It also prohibits other methods of "cruelly restraining" animals, including chaining up puppies and nursing mothers, leaving them outdoors unsheltered overnight or tying them up at abandoned properties, among other conditions.

The measure was supported by animal rights groups including the Humane Society.

S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter. Find NJ.com on Facebook.