Pit bull found dead, frozen solid
Jackson, MI (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Feb 1, 2007
County: Jackson
Disposition: Not Charged
Abuser names unreleased
A cold snap that is expected to worsen this weekend already has claimed one victim: a pit bull found Feb 1 night frozen solid.
The dog in question was found by the granddaughter of a person who lives in the 200 block of Frost Street. Police are investigating whether the owner was criminally negligent, said Jackson Police Deputy Chief Matt Heins.
The death served as a reminder that cold weather can have tragic effects on pets. Animal advocates are reminding pet owners to take extra caution this weekend while temperatures are below normal.
"Despite their seemingly warm fur coat, dogs suffer from the cold, too," said Jessica Mitchell, director of development at the Cascades Humane Society. "The longer the hair, the more insulation they have. The shorter the hair, the more they appreciate a sweater."
Temperatures are expected to dip into negative numbers this weekend, with brutal wind chills. Daytime highs will hover in the single digits, said Nathan Jeruzal, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids.
Heins said it's not common to find animals left in the cold for long, though it does happen.
"The majority of people take care of their animals," he said. "There's just a small percentage that don't, and the end result is that the animal usually dies when we reach extreme temperatures like we will this weekend."
Dogs can be outside for frequent but short periods of time. Try to avoid extended outdoor breaks, Mitchell said. If dogs are outside for longer than a half-hour, they need a doghouse and fresh, unfrozen water.
Cats are a little more self-sufficient but should still be brought in from the cold. If you live in a neighborhood with a lot of stray cats running around, make sure to pound on your hood before starting your car.
"A lot of times during really cold weather they'll find comfort and warmth in your car hood," Mitchell said.
When dogs bound in from the snow, check between their toes for snow and brush it off if there is some. Mitchell said the snow can cause bleeding and frostbite. References« MI State Animal Cruelty Map
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