Metro Animal Control Officers have answered several calls regarding animals without shelter Monday.
Lead Officer JJ Wegner said the most common calls received have been regarding the new ordinance that prohibits dog owners from tying dogs with a chain.
"They can still be tied out on tethers or ropes but when the temperature drops below 32 degrees which is freezing temperature it's stated on the ordinance that they can't stay outside on the tether" said Officer Wegner.
When MACC Animal Control Officers respond to a call they mainly look for lack of shelter, and other necessities like water and food. Dr. Christine Widmann with the Murphy Road Animal Hospital, said leaving animals outside in freezing temperatures can lead to hypothermia and frostbite, she suggests shorter walks
"We want to make sure that after long walks we clean off their feet because salt accumulation can happen in their pads and that can dry out their pads and make them more prone to lacerations," he said.
"This is the season when we see a lot of antifreeze toxicity so we want to keep our pets away from that cause a very, very small amount can be deadly" said Dr. Widmann.
WEB EXTRA: Watch Animal Control discuss the ordinance and the threat of leaving a pet in the cold.
If you'd like to report a dog that has been left outside without shelter the number to call is 615-862-7928. Make sure you leave as much information about the dog as possible, also let officers know whether or not it has shelter so they can prioritize their calls.
