A new San Francisco law targets animal abuse, but goes a little further than you might expect.

The board of supervisors has passed a new ordinance requiring a certain standard of living for man's best friend. Included are specifics on food, water and even doghouses.

Animal control officers say it was difficult to prosecute pet abusers under the old law, because the standards were too vague.

By law in San Francisco, Fido is considered what is termed a companion dog. And a pet owner is actually a pet guardian.