AKRON, Ohio (WJW) — Akron police are reminding residents that leaving companion animals outside during extreme winter weather could lead to criminal charges.
According to Lt. Michael Murphy, failing to bring pets indoors during a cold weather advisory may result in a charge of neglect of animals, a first-degree misdemeanor under city ordinance.
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“We do have the ability to issue a citation or even make an arrest because it is a criminal offense,” Murphy said. “But at the end of the day, our goal is not to arrest people. We want to equip them with the right information.”
Murphy noted the ordinance is not enforced frequently, which means some residents may be unaware they could face legal trouble…