For the last several days, I've been doing stories on the dangerous wind chill (it's here by the way). The cold has also dominated the news I produce and anchor for the 14 +/- radio stations I contract with. Interestingly, schools in Fayetteville, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC have had more inclement weather closures than those in Allegany County! However, a Wind Chill Warning is in effect...and as I type, winds are howling and the "feels like" temperature is WAY below zero.
In this type of weather, humans are constantly reminded about frostbite and hypothermia. We are all asked to check on 'vulnerable' populations. Many, however, urge that we humans also check on pets and animal friends. Social media has been buzzing about this topic as of late. A post has been circulating regarding a dog always left outdoors at a property just south of the village line in Wellsville. Photos have been posted and for a short time, a video was online. A concerned citizen contacted WRN Thursday about this dog. We were told the SPCA of Allegany County investigated, but found no violations. Dog and animal ownership is a responsibility. Here is some helpful and on point information from the Erie County (NY) SPCA (current as of Dec. 2017):
Reports of dogs left outdoors for extended periods of time without access to shelter during the coldest, windiest, and/or snowiest days of winter are the most frequent complaints received by the SPCA Serving Erie County and other humane societies across New York State throughout the winter months.
A New York State Agriculture and Markets Law passed in November 2003 (N.Y. AGM. LAW § 353-B: Appropriate shelter for dogs left outdoors) states that anyone with custody of a dog left outdoors must provide the dog with shelter appropriate to its breed, size, physical condition, and climate, adequately protecting the animal.
I think that makes sense. Yes, there are animals that can manage/survive/tolerate the bitter cold. Others can't. It's no different than humans. Some humans can march outside with a wind chill of -30 in just shorts and a long sleeve shirt. Others can't. Social media has gone crazy on the this topic. One side claiming animal abuse. The other says, stop being a wimp. In proper context, likely both 'sides' have valid points. Certainly, there are dogs for example, that survive in upper Minnesota or Alaska. Yes, some dogs (for example) love romping in the snow and cold. I think the calls for concern aren't for those animals. Again, like humans, some animals can tolerate extreme cold and heat. Even the Fort Bragg military installation in North Carolina issued this statement to soldiers and civilians Thursday - "All pets should be brought in and not left outdoors."
I truly believe it just comes down to common sense...a gift that sadly, some fail to possess.
As a teen in the 1970's, our family kept the Irish Setters in a dog house outside. My dad did make sure the 'home' was insulated. My maternal grandmother, who lived to be 99, was one tough cookie. She lived through the Great Depression...she suffered through crisis and adversity and she was an immensely proud woman. I think if she were alive today and I asked her about leaving ill equipped dogs outside with -30 wind chills...she would give me a stern look with piercing eyes and say "don't be a darn fool...what's wrong with you!"
Again, check on your neighbors...check on pets. If you have a dog concern, call your local dog control officer, the SPCA or police. The telephone number to lodge a complaint for the SPCA serving Allegany County is 585-268-9600 and is answered by the Allegany County 911 Center. Once the information is received, it is turned over to an SPCA Investigator. Randy Swarthout, 911 Head Dispatcher said that with the onset of the cold weather we are getting, there have been a significant increase in calls pertaining to animals that are outside and would like to ask that if a person is calling with a concern that it be first-hand information so we will have the best information possible to pass on to the SPCA Investigator.
If you have a human concern about a family member or neighbor, call 911.
And I guess is all else fails...have a heart and be a compassionate human being.