GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – As temperatures remain below freezing, it can be dangerous for pets.
Green Bay Animal Control Officer Mallory Meves tells FOX 11….
“There are concerns in the amount of people leaving pets outside or just chaining them up to go to the bathroom, and just that amount of time is too long.”
In the last couple of weeks, Meves says she has responded to several calls.
“My calls do go up once we hit below 32 degrees.”
Meves says the department follows guidelines provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
“They state that no pet should be out for long periods of time, below freezing which is 32 degrees.”
She says their protocol is to first issue a warning but if called again, owners can face a $376 fine.
Meves also says officers may take the pet.
“If that’s not corrected, then I will issue a citation and often seize the animal.”
Meves says there are breed exceptions. For dogs built for the cold, proper shelter must be provided.
“We check for the appropriate shelter, water, and that their needs are being met.”
At the Bay Area Humane Society, officials say this season they have taken in pets that were seized from owners.
“We do have two dogs in custody that basically somebody saw them sitting in this type of weather, and all day long, no shelter, no nothing,” said Lori Nachtwey, marketing director at the Bay Area Humane Society.
She says pet owners need to keep one thing in mind.
“If you feel cold, then your animal is probably going to be cold too. Be smart about it.”
Green Bay Animal Control says it has removed 17 pets in the past couple of months.
