BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana lawmakers have a message for pet owners: Don't tie up your dog or cat during a hurricane or a flood.
The state House of Representatives gave final passage Monday to a proposal outlawing the behavior.
The bill by Sen. Troy Carter, a New Orleans Democrat, prohibits the tying or tethering of a pet in "in a manner that exposes the dog or cat to extreme weather conditions" in a designated emergency area during a flood or hurricane.
Violators could face a fine up to $75 from a local governing authority.
The House voted 67-25 for the measure. The Senate had previously backed it in a 35-0 vote.
The bill heads to the governor. If signed, it would become law Aug. 1.
___
Senate Bill 160: www.legis.la.gov