What to Do If You See a Pet Left Out in the Cold

Concerned neighbors rescued Barbie and her puppies from the snow. Scott Townsend

Cold weather can be deadly for pets. As the temperature plummets in

many parts of the country, The Humane Society of the United States sees a

marked increase in the number of complaints about dogs and cats who

have been left outside with no food or shelter.

We encourage you to contact local law enforcement agencies because

pets left outside in extreme temperatures, especially without food and

shelter, are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite and even death. Their

owners are at risk of facing criminal charges.

The act of leaving a pet outside without food or adequate shelter

often receives less attention than a violent attack against an animal,

but neglect is a crime. “Especially in these cold months, it is

important for people to bring their pets inside

and for others to report neglected animals to law enforcement,” says

Ashley Mauceri, HSUS manager for cruelty response, who fields these

calls.

One of the most common forms of animal cruelty, cases of animals left

outside in dangerous weather are investigated more by police and animal

control agencies than any other form of animal abuse. Our most constant

companions—dogs and cats—feel the effects of winter weather as much as

we do, only they are often cast outside to weather the cold or a storm

owing to a misconception that the fur on their backs will insulate them

from suffering. Without proper shelter, food and water, these

domesticated animals’ chances of survival in frigid temperatures is

greatly decreased. Any pet owners who aren’t sure what protections their

pets need during cold weather can read our cold-weather advice for keeping pets safe.

While views on animal welfare vary from region to region, there are

laws in place in every state to prevent needless suffering. Callers to

The HSUS report numerous cases across the country of animals left out in

the cold, but the organization is also working with an increasing

number of law enforcement agencies that recognize the importance of

intervention in these cases.

The facts

• Animal neglect is considered a misdemeanor crime in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.


• Felony penalties can be levied in Massachusetts and Oklahoma for any animal neglect case.


• Felony charges can be applied in animal neglect resulting in death in California, Connecticut, Florida and Washington, D.C.

 How you can help

• Report what you see:
  
  Take note of the date, time, exact location and the type of animal(s)
  
  involved and write down as many details as possible about the situation.
  
  Video and photographic documentation of the animal, the location, the
  
  surrounding area, etc. (even a cell phone photo) will help bolster your
  
  case.


• Contact your local animal control agency or county sheriff’s office
  
  and present your complaint and evidence. Take detailed notes regarding
  
  whom you speak with and when. Respectfully follow up in a few days if
  
  the situation has not been remedied.


• If you need advice, call The HSUS or email us. Because we aren’t a law-enforcement agency, we cannot take legal action, but we can provide expert counsel.


• If you have pets, follow our advice for keeping them safe in cold weather.


• Support our work to protect all animals, in all four seasons!

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What to Do If You See a Pet Left Out in the Cold