Binghamton Adopts New Law to Protect Pets From Extreme Weather

The 'Dog Protection Ordinance' makes it illegal for dog owners to leave their pets outside for more than two hours during extreme temperatures or weather alerts.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:55pm

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Binghamton City Council has adopted the 'Dog Protection Ordinance' that prohibits dog owners from leaving their pets outside unattended for more than two hours during extreme weather conditions, including temperatures below 32 degrees or above 90 degrees, as well as severe weather alerts. Violators can face penalties ranging from fines to having to give up their dogs. The new law is aimed at protecting animals from the dangers of freezing or dangerously hot weather.

Why it matters

The new ordinance is a response to concerns about pets being left outside in dangerously cold or hot weather, which can lead to health issues and even death. It elevates the status of animals in the community and provides a legal framework for authorities to intervene when pets are at risk.

The details

The 'Dog Protection Ordinance' makes it illegal for dog owners to leave their pets outside unattended for more than two hours when temperatures are below 32 degrees or above 90 degrees, or when there are weather alerts for severe storms, blizzards, or tornadoes. Violators can face fines or even criminal charges, and owners may be forced to give up their dogs. The law is enforceable by any law enforcement or animal control officer in Broome County.

  • The new ordinance was announced by Binghamton City Council on February 3, 2026.
  • The legislation was introduced by 5th District Councilwoman Hadassah Mativetsky in October 2025.

The players

Binghamton City Council

The governing body of the City of Binghamton, New York, which adopted the 'Dog Protection Ordinance'.

Hadassah Mativetsky

A 5th District Councilwoman in Binghamton who introduced the legislation for the 'Dog Protection Ordinance'.

Karen Matson

The Executive Director of The Humane Society, who says the new ordinance will make a significant difference for the local shelter.

Jared Kraham

The Mayor of Binghamton who signed the 'Dog Protection Ordinance' into law.

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What they’re saying

“I think the new legislation is a great step in the right direction. There are a lot of calls that we get on a regular basis, you know, my neighbor's dog's been out two hours, I drive by this house every day, and it's out in the morning, it's out at night. And today is a great example of how cold it can get. It's very cold for us humans. Imagine if you're an animal with your paws on the ground and you have no way to get out of the elements.”

— Karen Matson, Executive Director of The Humane Society

“If everyone's on board and they're saying, 'hey we want to do something about this issue, we have all the buy-in for that, but we don't have the law that makes it clear we can take that action,' then that's a good law to work on.”

— Hadassah Mativetsky, 5th District Councilwoman

“We all get pets as companions, we don't get them to just look at in our yards, to leave outside, to leave unattended, to be ignored. We just want people to realize that animals are a commitment, and if you don't want to be in those elements, if it's cold for you or hot for you, your pets in the same boat. So, let's try to elevate the care that you're providing them so they're all safe.”

— Karen Matson, Executive Director of The Humane Society

What’s next

Councilwoman Mativetsky says she hopes Broome County will take steps to make the 'Dog Protection Ordinance' a county-wide initiative, expanding the protections beyond just the City of Binghamton.

The takeaway

The new 'Dog Protection Ordinance' in Binghamton is an important step in elevating the status of animals in the community and providing legal recourse to protect pets from the dangers of extreme weather conditions. It serves as a model that other municipalities could follow to ensure the wellbeing of furry companions.