As, Delawarean's it is our responsibility to speak for animals who are left out in extreme weather conditions (cold/hot)! The Office of Animal Welfare should not have to wait until there is a National Weather Advisory issued in our state. If you own an animal in Delaware, you need to have the proper shelter, food, and water (that does not freeze).

Currently, it is legal to keep your dog outdoors with proper shelter, food, water and bedding in the elements, the State of Delaware mandates that dogs must not be kept outdoors during a hazardous weather warning issued by the National Weather Service for that area - such a warning has recently been issued by the National Weather Service (http://www.wboc.com/story/29579521/severe-weather-alert If you see animals outdoors at any time during this weather advisory, please do not hesitate to call the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646 and your local officials.

If you, considered yourself an animal lover and advocate, please sign this petition to add stronger penalties to owners who leave their animals outside in extreme and unfit conditions. We ultimately need strengthened the ability of Delaware's Department of Justice to prosecute those who abuse animals in Delaware.