The town of Ossining says dog owners can't tie their pets outdoors for long periods of time.

The new law says a canine cannot be tethered outside for more than 12 hours during a 24-hour period and not at all if the National Weather Service issues an alert.

The law comes after protests from animal rights groups in the town.

Police will enforce the law and violators will face escalating fines starting at $250 for the first offense.