A Windsor city councillor is hoping a change he's proposing will bring dogs in from the cold.
Ward 9 Councillor Hilary Payne provided a statement during Monday's city council meeting, asking the administration to amend a bylaw requiring dog owners to limit tethering outside to four hours at a time.
Payne wants to see that bylaw changed to limit such tethering to 15 minutes at a time.
The request comes after local resident, Howard Weeks noticed a neighbour keeping a dog outside for an extended period of time during the recent cold snap. Weeks began an online petition that has received thousands of signatures.
Mayor Drew Dilkens pointed out during the meeting that since the change could not get a vote on the spot, a report would need to be submitted to the city administration. Once the administration has studied it, councillors would then vote on changing the bylaw.
According to guidelines provided by the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society, dogs should not be left outside for long when the temperature drops. Cats and short-haired dogs can be susceptible to very cold temperatures.