This morning as I write this it is 18° outside. I noticed the dog in the backyard of the neighbor behind us. He is a pretty white shorthaired dog of unknown breed.
Later I noticed that the dog was curled in a ball, obviously trying to stay warm. A long time later I noticed that he was in the exact same position as if he had not moved. I began to get concerned but continued working and wondering what I should do about a dog left out in the cold.
A long time later (I wish I had kept track of the exact timing) he still had not moved. There is no dog house and no protection from the wind. I began to get very worried about that poor dog.
Have you ever been in a similar situation, seen a dog left out in the cold and didn’t know what to do? I personally don’t believe that dogs should live outdoors, but I also realize that many people have dogs that are strictly outdoor dogs. According to the Human Society of the United States, one of the most common forms of animal cruelty cases that are investigated are dogs left out in dangerous weather.
Why Might a Dog be Left Out in the Cold?
Many that leave their dog out in the cold do it because that is what their family did when growing up. Still, others believe the misconception that dogs have a fur coat and that it is enough insulation to keep them warm. And others say “dogs have lived outdoors since the beginning of time, so why not now”? I understand all the reasoning and I don’t judge unless it becomes a matter of cruel neglect.
What Not To Do if You See a Dog Left Out in the Cold
What you don’t want to do is stomp off to their door wagging your finger and criticizing them about their dog being left out in the cold. If you do that they won’t listen to you, the dog will get no help plus it will cause misunderstanding and anger between you and your neighbor.
What is The Law?
Views on animal welfare and a dog left out in the cold vary from region to region, but there are laws in every state to prevent needless suffering.
If an animal is left outside in dangerous weather without food, water or adequate shelter it is considered an act of animal cruelty. However, it receives less attention than a violent attack against an animal. But neglect is a crime.
What You Can Do
Build a rapport with your neighbor. You are not going to change their minds by judging and as my mother always said, “you catch more flies with honey than vinegar”. When you see a dog left out in the cold, try offering solutions without criticizing. Offer extra dog food, warm blankets, or even a dog house. This will help build trust with your neighbor while caring for the dog’s immediate needs.
If knocking on the door is not an option or if they are not home, leave some information in their door about caring for dogs in cold weather, such as the infographic pictured. You can download it HERE.
Be prepared to report the abuse. Should it become necessary to present a complaint to the proper authorities, document it as
Call your local Animal Control Department or the county sheriff’s office. If the dog is in immediate danger, a note or infographic is not enough. When calling in a report, be sure to tell them about the evidence you have collected. Look for symptoms that the dog is in immediate distress. They are:
- Shaking
- Repeatedly lifting paws high off ground
- Biting feet and paws, trying to get the snow off
A barking dog does not necessarily a sign of distress.
The Facts
- Animal neglect is considered a misdemeanor crime in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
- In Massachusetts and Oklahoma felony charges can be levied for any animal cruelty case.
- Felony charges can be applied in animal neglect cases resulting in death in California, Connecticut, Florida, and Washington D.C.
- Georgia can apply a felony charge in animal cruelty cases where malice is proven.
If you’d like more information or advice, call The Humane Society of the United States at 1-866-720-2676 or contact them via their contact page on the website. To search for the proper authorities in your area CLICK HERE
The dog behind us
I’m sure you are wondering what happened to the dog in the backyard of our neighbors?
Just as I had started to go over there to leave the above pamphlet in their door and check on him, he moved and appeared to be just fine. I did go over to make sure he had plenty of food & water and it turned out he was just fine, had plenty of food & water and a place to get out of the wind. Apparently, he just took a long winter’s nap. 🙂
All’s well that ends well as the saying goes. But it gave me the idea to learn more about what to do and to share it with you. Here’s hoping you never have to use this advice.
