A group of high school students from New Babylon Town, New York, US, have been pressuring the local authorities to strengthen the code that deals with the welfare of companion animals. The Babylon Town Board has been debating amending a Town “Dogs and Other Animals” code that deals with issues such as animals left outside in extreme weather.
Bennett Vogel, Vice President of the Half Hollow Hills High School West’s Teen Animal Protectors Club, said that last year, the students found chapter 106 of the Town code to be “vague.” Chris Elton, director of the Animal Shelter, worked with the Teen Animal Protectors and the Town Attorney to propose a code amendment.
Among many issues this law addresses, the changes will prohibit the restraining of companion animals outdoors for longer than 30 minutes during inclement weather (including anytime the temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter or above 90 degrees in the summer). The code also prohibits dog guardians from placing heavy or uncomfortable collars on the dogs if they are tethered outside.
Supervisor Rich Schaffer said, “Thanks to the passion and determination of the Teen Animal Protectors, we will soon have updated rules here in the Town of Babylon when it comes to taking proper care of pets.”
The resolution to adopt the amendments was offered by Councilman McSweeney and seconded by Councilman Manetta. At its meeting on 15th February 2023, the Town Board adopted local law 5 amending chapter 106 of the code of the town of Babylon as requested.
