Code Blue for pets in West Reading and Reading issued by Animal Rescue League due to cold

Susan Miers Smith, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·2 min read
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Nov. 28—The Animal Rescue League of Berks County has issued a Code Blue for pet owners in Reading and West Reading.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a low of 23 degrees with winds at 10 to 20 mph Tuesday night into Wednesday.

In the city, the Code Blue is in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday to 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Anyone who owns, possesses or has custody of a dog in Reading must bring the animal inside their residence for the duration of the code, except for supervised and necessary bathroom breaks and exercise. The measure is part of the Reading City Code.

The Code Blue for West Reading is in effect from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday.

In September, an ordinance was added to the Code of the Borough of West Reading (Chapter 152, section 152-3) that states the owner of an animal is required to temporarily "bring and keep it in his dwelling for its protection from the elements" when the National Weather Service predicts a wind chill temperature of 20 degrees or below or in the case of precipitation with temperatures below 32 degrees. It also states that the "owner of an animal shall not allow the animal to remain unattended or unsupervised outdoors" during a code declaration.

"Additionally, non-compliance can result in the animal being removed by an animal control officer from the property and impounded at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County," stated a release issued by the ARL Tuesday. "Owners may also be subject to a fine of no more than $600 and a citation by section 152-15 of the CBWR."

"The cold temperatures predicted for our area are potentially life-threatening for animals left outside to fend for themselves," said Hayden Carroll, the ARL's department of animal protection manager, noting the recommendation is for the whole county, although only enforceable in Reading and West Reading. "We hope residents take this threat seriously and bring their pets inside."

Any person witnessing an unsupervised dog left outside in the elements within West Reading or Reading should call the ARL at 610-373-8830.