LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - In cold conditions such as those descending upon central Arkansas this week, there are many reminders to protect ourselves, and those who depend on us, from the weather.
While bringing a dog inside is the best way to keep it warm in the winter, that it is not always possible or preferable for some families. Animal control officers say they spend a lot of time responding to complaints about pets that are left out in the cold weather.
Somebody might take the initiative to get a dog out of a hot car. In wintertime, it's not the same.
“Realize what kind of dog you've got,” Adam Tindall said, the lead officer for North Little Rock's Animal Control Department. “If you've got a two-pound Chihuahua, that's not really an outside type of dog. They don't deal well in cold weather. They don't have the fur coat for weather like that. But if you've got an Alaskan Malamute or a Husky, then those dogs are born and raised in the cold. They're prepared for it.”
North Little Rock has a partnership between its Animal Control and Police departments. Outside business hours, an officer is on call to respond to complaints and determine if the situation requires immediate action, or can wait for animal control officers to check on it later.
Tindall said most people think about outdoor pets when the weather becomes extreme. He mentioned that a good rule of thumb is: if you feel uncomfortable in the weather, your pet likely feels the same way. Aside from giving an outdoor dog blankets, food, and fresh water, Tindal believes the best thing an owner can do is to not forget about them.
According to The Humane Society of the United States, one of the most common forms of animal cruelty, cases of animals left outside in dangerous weather are investigated more by police and animal control agencies than any other form of animal abuse.
HSUS recommends if you see a pet left out in the cold, speak out.
How you can help
- Report what you see: Take note of the date, time, exact location and the type of animal(s) involved and write down as many details as possible about the situation. Video and photographic documentation of the animal, the location, the surrounding area, etc. (even a cell phone photo) will help bolster your case.
- Contact your local animal control agency or county sheriff's office and present your complaint and evidence. Take detailed notes regarding whom you speak with and when. Respectfully follow up in a few days if the situation has not been remedied.
- If you need advice, call the HSUS or email us. Because we aren't a law-enforcement agency, we cannot take legal action, but we can provide expert counsel.
- If you have pets, follow our advice for keeping them safe in cold weather.
