Cold Canines: Patrols Stepped Up To Rescue Animals Left Outside

DETROIT, MI – Bitter cold temperatures like the ones to hit Michigan and across the Midwest this week drive most people indoors. Unfortunately, some people don't take their dogs with them.

The cold, it seems, brings out human's cruelty.

A story in the Detroit News includes a report that one a man was seen on video dumping a golden retriever, seemingly in good health, that had frozen to death. The video shows a man dumping the dog outside First Class Liquor on East Warren Avenue in Detroit on Dec. 27. A reward of $2,500 has been offered for information in that case, the newspaper reports.

With the frigid temperatures, animal advocacy organizations in Metro Detroit have stepped up their efforts to rescue dogs. Detroit Dog Rescue and the Detroit Animal Care Unit have increased their patrols. They're also offering in-home crates to owners that need them, the Detroit News reports.

“We’re receiving a lot of emergency calls and taking in dozens of dogs. Even overweight dogs just drop dead from the cold. They can’t sustain under 35-40 degrees,” said Kristina Rinaldi, executive director of DDR. “We’ve seen dogs frozen with tears in their eyes, horrific things we’ll never be able to forget.”

The Michigan Humane Society suggests that when temperatures drop to 20 degrees or below, short-haired and small pets should be brought indoors. Larger breeds with thick coats may remain outside to lower temperatures, but should have shelter. They also need fresh water and more food to stay warm.

>>> Read the full article on at The Detroit News

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