Due to a sustained heat index of over 95 degrees forecasted for Berks County, the Animal Rescue League of Berks County (ARL) issued a Code Red for the City of Reading for the following periods: June 18: 1 PM – 6 PM, June 19: 2 PM – 5 PM, June 20: 1PM – 7 PM, June 21: 11AM – 8 PM, June 22: 11 AM – 7 PM.
Under Bill #22, an amendment added to the City Code, Chapter 141, Part 2 Animals, Section 205 Caring for Animals in 2015, any person who owns, possesses, or has custody of a dog must bring the animal inside their residence for the duration of the code, except for supervised and necessary bathroom breaks and exercise.
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.
Owners will have 48 hours after the code has been lifted to pick up their animal and will be subject to applicable boarding fees.
High temperatures and humidity can cause animals to overheat, which can lead to serious health complications. Any person witnessing an unsupervised dog left outside in the elements within the City of Reading should call the Animal Rescue League of Berks County at 610-373-8830.
Even when Code Red is only enforceable within the City of Reading, we encourage every pet owner in Berks County to take precautions with their pets while the high temperatures last.
