CINCINNATI, Ohio – Animal abuse is a growing problem and one city councilman is doing what he can to fight it.

Cincinnati City Councilman Chris Smitherman has proposed legislation making it illegal to keep dogs chained when it’s above 90 degrees outside, or below 20 degrees if they do not have proper shelter.

The proposal also includes not chaining dogs from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. to help cut down on barking.

Dog owners who violate the new law will face a hefty fine.

“We are going to educate people that tethering your dog and keeping their dog out as we go into the winter in a little igloo without a lot of warmth is just not acceptable,” Smitherman told Fox19.

Here in Oklahoma, we have no laws on the books requiring dog owners to unchain or bring their pets inside based on certain temperatures.

The only legislation we have requires owners to provide their dogs water and a waterproof and wind-proof three-sided shelter.

Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Superintendent Jon Gary tells NewsChannel 4, “Being on a chain is a much bigger issue to me. Chaining a dog can lead to all sorts of problems, including behavioral issues.”