HSHV Has No Tolerance for Freezing Pets
Dogs living outside require soundly-built, weatherproof doghouses or insulated plastic “igloo” type houses, as well as a constant source of fresh water.
December 1, 2007
Each year during the winter months, the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) (Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105) receives calls about animals left out in the elements without adequate protection. Plunging winter temperatures can be extremely dangerous for companion animals.
“Even though Michigan state law doesn’t prevent dogs from living outside, we remind people that the law does require proper shelter and bedding,” said HSHV Cruelty Investigator, Julie Curtis. “During the freezing winter months we have zero tolerance for dogs found living outside without appropriate protection and if found to be in danger, those animals will be removed for their own safety.”
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. HSHV strongly recommends that you keep your pets inside in extreme temperatures. 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.
“Educating the public on proper animal care is our main goal, but we take all complaints of animals subjected to unsafe conditions seriously,” said Curtis. “Cases found to be valid will be submitted to the Washtenaw County prosecutor’s office on charges of animal cruelty.”
“We recently removed a small dog from its home after repeated attempts to inform the owners of proper care,” reports Curtis. “The dog was left outside on a second-story apartment balcony for eight hours straight in the cold weather at least five days a week. Fortunately we removed him before the current snap of below zero degree weather, otherwise the dog may have died.”
To learn more important “Cold Weather” safety information, visit the HSHV web site.
