Animal lovers are calling on lawmakers to step in and better protect our four-legged friends. 

300 dogs in Erie County were left outside in extreme weather in 2018 and 70 percent of them were in Buffalo, according to the SPCA. While numbers are down from prior years, the organization believes more can be done to lower it. 

"The state law, we felt needed some improvement, and we learned that some other parts of New York State had approached this on the local level. We thought that was a great idea to bring it to the City of Buffalo," said Gary Willoughby, SPCA Serving Erie County President.

Buffalo Common Council Member Joel Feroleto introduced the bill that would make it illegal for people to leave their dogs tethered outside for more than an hour when it's hotter than 90 degrees or colder than 32 degrees.

"We don't want this to happen at all. We don't want anyone to have to enforce this, and we hope that this creates awareness, and people don't do this," Feroleto said.

Fines for offenders would start at $250. Second time offenders would be fined $500 and third time offenders would face $1,000.

Feroleto says in addition to legislation, he plans to work with the city clerk's office to better educate the public on proper pet care.

"We're looking to do some sort of outreach when people come in to license their dogs or possibly the people that currently have dogs that are listed. Our office will also do some outreach on social media and we're looking to educate on the topic," Feroleto said.

The Common Council will vote on the legislation  Wednesday, December 26, 2018. If passed, it would go into effect 10 days later.