Animal Control looks after dogs in frigid temps - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Animal Control looks after dogs in frigid temps

By: Jillian Wilson

jwilson@cbs4qc.com

Frigid temperatures have many of us dreading the outdoors.

But what about our four legged friends who can't speak up for themselves?

The Scott County Humane Society is keeping an eye on pet owners.

Animal control officers say they get ten calls a week about animals being left outside in unbearable conditions.

"Animals do not talk. They look to the human, to their owner to help them," says Leah Messmer, an Animal Control Officer.

And if their owner isn't taking care of them properly, animal control steps in.

"We want owners to be educated. We want them to know exactly what it is that they need to do to keep this animal comfortable," says Messmer.

CBS 4 got to ride along with Scott County Humane Society to see how much is too much for dogs to bear.

"If you are going to have your animal outside, you have to make sure you provide them with proper shelter. Make sure they are provided with the water that they need, Messmer.

It's against the law to have just a crate for your dog outside.

Owners must have a dog house. And in freezing cold temperatures, it's best to have some straw underneath so the dog doesn't have to sit on the cold ground.

and local dog owners tell me they're happy animal control is being the watch dogs for pets.

"To me, they are living, breathing just like a human being, cause they have four legs, instead of two doesn't mean you can neglect them either, you have to treat them just like one of your family," says Jeff Duyvejonck, a dog owner.

"It makes me scared for them because if they are outside too long, they could either get really sick or something bad could happen to them," says Chandra Duyvejonck, a dog owner.

And that's why animal control says it's rewarding knowing they are keeping the animals safe.

"When animals are in pain or there is an issue with an animal, a lot of times, they don't show it so it's good to be in tune with your animal and it's good to know when something is wrong and what needs to be done."

If you see any animals running loose or left outside too long, you are asked to call animal control at (563) 388-6655 .