It happens every winter – animal control and police departments across the country are kept busy with calls about dogs being left outside as the temperature drop. Concerned citizens make the calls, worried about the pets’ safety. Sometimes, they are too late and the dogs freeze to death. And while sometimes it is deliberate neglect, most times, officials say, it’s a case of “I didn’t know any better,” “I though their fur kept them warm enough,” or “he didn’t seem to want to come inside.”
Whatever the reason, the end result is still a tragic one. After receiving “call after call” about dog being left outside, the Indianapolis Animal Care and Control in Indianapolis, Indiana has decided to do something about it – they put in place new ordinances to that tell pet owners when they need to bring their animals inside.
“I think a lot of people that we see out here do have the best interest for their animals,” Officer Alex Shaefer told Fox News. “They do obviously care for their animals, but they may just not know how much the cold weather can affect them.”
Well, the new ordinance is leaving no question on that account, or a few others. The 3 page document say you must bring your dog inside when:
- The outside temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below
- There’s a wind-chill warning
- The outside temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above
- There’s a heat advisory
- A tornado warning has been issued
In addition, if the dog is outside and it’s 40 degree Fahrenheit or below, the dog needs to have a house with proper bedding for warmth.
This does not mean a doggy blanket, Kim Wolsiffer, Deputy Chief of Enforcement for the Indianapolis Animal Care & Control, told Fox News, which can absorb moisture and will freeze. Instead, you want to use a material that wicks away water/moisture.
Watch the full news story below:
It is so great to see a city being proactive about making sure the pets within their community are safe and well cared for. As Shaefer said, many people don’t know when it’s “too cold” or “too hot” – these new ordinances make it simple for them to make the right decision for the safety of their pet. Do you think your city needs a code like this? Tell us in the comments.
(H/T: Fox News)
