Winter cold is hitting central Pennsylvania late this week and into next week as the region begins an “abnormally long stretch of cold weather,” the National Weather Service says .

For dog owners , that means limits on keeping them outside.

Under Pennsylvania’s Libre’s Law , dogs may be tied outside for no more than 30 minutes when temperatures are lower than 32 degrees (or higher than 90 degrees). Owners also need to watch that fresh water remains available; don’t let the doggie bowl freeze over.

Violations in Libre’s Law range from summary offense to a misdemeanor charge, which can carry a fine and prison sentence.

Here are some other dog-tethering points to note under state law:

A leash must be three times the length of the pet or 10 feet, whichever is longer.

No tow or log

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