IT'S THE LAW: Sumter County Ordinance 2001-9 requires you to supply your dog with adequate shelter and sufficient water at all times. Chaining a dog to a tree, even in the shade, or leaving a dog in a fenced yard is no substitute for shelter. Failure to provide shelter or water is mistreatment of an animal and may result in your dog being impounded. You, as the owner, will be fined in increasing amounts daily until the violations are corrected.

Please be considerate and provide your animal with a dog house to protect him from the sun, excessive heat and those sudden storms that are so common in Florida.

Proper shelter is defined as: A structure with a roof, three closed sides and a bottom that protects an animal from the elements. The shelter must be available to the animal at all times, even if the animal doesn't use it.

Water/Food: Each dog in your care must daily have clean fresh water, fresh wholesome food in a large bowl or bucket that cannot be turned over. Dog hair is like a fur coat, if the animal gets too hot it can easily suffer from a heat stroke or death if it doesn't have water to cool his system.

Never leave a pet in a car even if the windows are left open, temperature can quickly rise and your pet will suffer a heat stroke or death. If the animal looks in distress or it is a deadly situation call 911. It is illegal in the state of Florida to leave your pet in a car.