HSHV: Zero Tolerance for Freezing Pets

December 1, 2006

Outside dogs subjected to the severe cold can suffer hypothermia or even death.

Freezing temperatures are dangerous for all pets, but especially for dogs living outside. Even though Michigan state law doesn’t prevent dogs from living outside, the Humane Society of Huron Valley strongly recommends that you keep your pets inside in extreme temperatures. Michigan state law does require provisions for adequate shelter and bedding, so owners of outside dogs need to be especially vigilant about providing the following appropriate care.

Dogs living outside require soundly-built, weatherproof doghouses or insulated plastic “igloo” type houses. The doghouse should face south or east, preventing the opening from facing prevailing winds. Ideally, the doghouse should be elevated off the ground. The law requires adequate bedding be placed inside the doghouse when temperatures drop below freezing. HSHV Animal Cruelty Investigators suggest using straw instead of wood shavings or blankets because straw holds a dog’s body heat longer and doesn’t collect moisture and freeze.

“During the freezing weather months, we’ll have no tolerance for dogs found living outside without appropriate shelter and adequate bedding,” says Julie Curtis, HSHV Cruelty Investigator. If investigators find a dog living outside with improper housing during the winter months, there’s a good chance that the dog may be removed for its own safety.

HSHV Cruelty Investigator Matt Schaecher stated that “all complaints of animals subjected to unsafe conditions will be investigated. Cases found to be valid will be submitted to the Washtenaw County prosecutor’s office on charges of animal cruelty.” Both Curtis and Schaecher agree that educating the public on animal welfare is their main goal, however, this winter the investigators are calling their plan “zero tolerance.”

Animals that are outside during freezing weather need a constant source of fresh water, so check your dog’s bowl often to ensure it hasn’t frozen. A heavy-duty rubber bowl on a slightly raised surface provides better insulation and will slow the freezing process. Heated water bowls are highly recommended by HSHV.

To report cases of animal cruelty or neglect, call the Humane Society of Huron Valley at (734) 662-5585. If you would like to help the Humane Society of Huron Valley, consider donating your time or money, or adopting a homeless dog or cat. HSHV is also in special need of “igloo” and wooden doghouses for those who cannot afford them to help protect animals left out in the cold.