It is now a misdemeanor to let Fido freeze or to leave Heathcliff out in the heat.  On August 7, 2015, Governor Rauner approved Public Act 099-0311, adding a provision to The Humane Care for Animals Act that makes it a Class A misdemeanor (or a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent conviction) to “expose the[ir] dog or cat in a manner that places the dog or cat in a life-threatening situation for a prolonged period of time in extreme heat or cold conditions that results in injury to or death of the animal.”  According to a Chicago Tribune article dated August 8, State Representative Sara Feigenholtz, who is a sponsor of the bill, indicated that “the bill was prompted by a large number of cases last winter in which dogs died after being left outside in subzero temperatures.”  We here at LauraLaw love pets, and encourage everyone to keep their pet in mind during the extreme heat of August and the arctic cold of the rest of the year; so does the Illinois legislature.  Nonetheless, if you should find yourself under arrest for Cruel Treatment to your pet, or any other misdemeanor or felony, contact LauraLaw immediately, and our team will guide you through the legal process.