EXTREME COLD MAY TURN DEADLY FOR
OUTDOOR COMPANION ANIMALS
Michigan Humane Society’s Cruelty Investigation Department Already Seeing Significant Increase in Cold Weather-Related Calls

Detroit - With the arrival of the bone chilling cold weather comes the heartbreaking reminder that the lives of many companion animals will be threatened this winter.  Dogs and cats left outside for long periods of time, or permanently, will be unnecessarily forced to “weather” the harsh snow and extreme cold of a Michigan winter - a strong dose of reality during this otherwise festive season.  Yet this life and death crisis is completely preventable by simply allowing pets to reside inside where they can thrive and provide us the companionship we desire.  

“Each winter, we respond to hundreds of complaints from concerned citizens regarding pets left outdoors without appropriate food, water or shelter to help them weather the brutal winter months,” said Mark Ramos, Senior Cruelty Investigator for the Michigan Humane Society. “Providing proper care and provisions for our pets is not a luxury, it is a necessity.”

The Michigan Humane Society strongly urges that all pet guardians allow their animals to reside inside, especially during extreme weather.  However, if people need to leave their dogs or cats outdoors for any length of time, they are required by Michigan state law to provide them with adequate food, water and shelter. Adequate shelter for dogs, as defined by state law, means a well-built, insulated, slant-roofed dog house. The interior should be just large enough for the dog to stand and to lie down comfortably.  It should be slightly elevated from the ground for air circulation. The door should face away from prevailing winds and have a protective flap to eliminate drafts.

Clean, dry straw should be provided for bedding rather than towels, rugs or blankets which absorb moisture and freeze.

Several types of inadequate shelter frequently encountered by investigators include an unheated garage or shed, a dog house that is too large or lacks straw, or dogs simply tied out to a porch, fence or deck with no shelter at all.

To report pets left outside without proper shelter in the MHS service area of Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park, call the MHS Cruelty Hotline at 313-872-3401. A confidential message can be left 24 hours a day. In other areas, animal cruelty should be reported to the local animal control or police.

Failing to provide proper provisions for pets can result in misdemeanor animal cruelty violations carrying a sentence of up to 93 days in jail, up to a $1,000 fine, community service, and loss of pet ownership for a specified amount of time.

The following additional tips will help guardians care for their companion animals responsibly during cold weather:

• When temperatures plummet, companion animals should not be left outside for any length of time. Bring small or short-haired pets in when temperatures reach 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit. Larger breeds and thick-coated dogs may remain outside, with adequate shelter, to about zero degrees.
• Precipitation and wind chill should also be taken into account.
• Cats should be kept indoors or at least brought into a warm, animal proofed garage during severe weather.
• Roaming cats often seek the warmth of car engines, so be sure to knock on the car hood or honk the horn before starting your car to give them a chance to escape.
• Increase food by 10-20 percent for dogs left outside during the winter months. The extra calories are needed to help an animal to stay warm.
• Regular access to clean, unfrozen water is also critical. Check drinking water frequently - every few hours - to ensure that it is unfrozen.
• If an animal is cold to the touch, or his paws and ears are pale, he may be suffering from frostbite. Move the animal to a warmer area and contact your veterinarian immediately.

To help the Michigan Humane Society rescue and care for animals this winter, donations can be made securely online at www.michiganhumane.org, or by calling 1-866-MHUMANE, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Michigan Humane Society (MHS) is a private, nonprofit organization which cares for over 100,000 animals each year, while working to end companion animal homelessness, provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values.

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