Every winter, humane societies across the nation brace for an avalanche of calls about dogs and cats left outside with no food or shelter.
The Dyersburg/Dyer County Humane Society certainly does. But this year has been a little different.
"Things have been quiet compared to years past," shelter supervisor Derrick Avery said.
Although the humane society has checked on a few animals, Avery said it appears people are more aware of what they need to do for their animals. And, he said, when animal control officers talk to pet owners about cold-weather pet care, the owners resolve any issues quickly.
The Humane Society of the United States reported the number of calls about neglected animals has risen markedly as the cold winter weather sets in. The HSUS encourages callers to contact local law enforcement agencies because pets left outside in extreme temperatures without food and shelter are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and even death, placing their owners 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," said Ashley Mauceri, The HSUS manager of animal cruelty issues, who fields these calls.
Animal neglect is one of the most common forms of animal cruelty, and is 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 too often cast outside to weather the storm due to a misconception that the fur on their backs will insulate them from suffering, The HSUS reported. Without proper food and water, to boot, these domesticated animals' chances of survival in frigid temperatures is greatly decreased.
While views on animal welfare vary from region to region, laws are 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 also is 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 the District of Columbia.
* Tennessee and 39 other states specifically require pet owners to provide adequate shelter for a pet outside, the definition of which generally includes some variation of "protection from the elements or extreme weather."
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 who you speak with and when. Respectfully follow up in a few days if the situation has not been remedied.