DETROIT – Animal control inspectors and rescue groups continue working around the clock as temperatures across Metro Detroit hover in the single digits.
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Workers and animal care advocates, at a variety of agencies, say they are busy with calls about dogs and cats being left outside in the extreme cold. In some cases, animals have suffered frostbite from the elements. Some rescue agencies are reporting finding animals who have died due to the elements.
Inspectors with Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) responded to reports of a dog being left in the cold while chained to the side of a house on the 8900 block of Dexter Avenue on Tuesday. They say the owner agreed to surrender the pet. That dog appeared weak, shivering, and in need of care when Detroit Animal Care and Control officers loaded it onto their truck.
Staff with DACC said some owners are choosing to surrender their animals, rather than take their pets indoors and out of the freezing cold elements. That decision adds to other challenges animal advocates are bringing to the public’s attention. Shelters across metro Detroit are full or near capacity. There’s a great need for foster homes for cats and dogs. Some of the animals being surrendered may not be adoptable.
Many animal advocates are urging the public to be mindful of steps to take in order to keep animals safe in freezing cold temperatures. The Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society offers the following advice:
- Outdoor pets should be brought indoors.
- If housing animals in the garage, use hay or straw to warm them.
- Know their outdoor limit – 5 minutes max.
- Pound on the hood of your car before starting, to scare away cats or small animals hiding near the engine.
- Anti-freeze can be deadly to animals.
Animal advocates say safety must be a priority for your pets.
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Workers with DACC also suggest if you see something, say something. The City of Detroit has set up a hotline to report cases of animal cruelty, including any animals left outside in the extreme cold. That hotline is 313-922-DOGS.