Good Morning! So the weather has become extremely frigid the last few days and We have started receiving complaints about animals being left outside. We understand that some dogs can handle winter weather and are fine outside in the cold. However, if you have a short hair dog or a small dog or a dog that’s always inside, they might not be as well adapted for the weather. In addition, without heated water bowls, you cannot keep water from freezing outside. We take each of these cases in a case-by-case basis. Remember, if you have an outside dog, it needs to have food, water, and adequate shelter available to it at all times. If you cannot meet one or more of these, your dog needs to be brought inside. This is the state law. If you have questions about your animal or want to have your outside dogs area Inspected, please contact us.
As another reminder, please do not put blankets or fabric materials inside of your animals shelter. These items can become wet and then freeze, making your dog more cold. Straw, not hay, should be packed into shelters for the animals. Shelters should be secured so that snow and moisture cannot get inside. And again, water bowls cannot be frozen. If your dog is shivering, it is cold. Don’t ignore it.
If you have questions or concerns regarding an animal that is left outside, please contact animal control or the Havana Police Department. (309)543-3321.
