Dog left in severe cold, resulting in death
Mundelein, IL (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Feb 8, 2007
County: Lake
Disposition: Alleged
Abuser names unreleased
Authorities are investigating a Mundelein man who left his old dog outside after they confiscated the animal because there were also signs of neglect. The dog died while at the animal control shelter near Grayslake.
The report by the animal warden noted that the dog's water bowl was frozen and there were six dead mice in the bowl of ice.
"There are diseases animals can get from mice," said Len Hackl, chief warden for Lake County animal control. "The dog had been outside since it was a pup, but the owner should have known better." The case remains under investigation and no charges have yet been filed.
If a dog is kept outside, there must be shelter that allows the animal to maintain its body heat. The shelter must minimize the potential for overheating or suffering the effects of hypothermia. Adequate water and food must be maintained at all times.
Hackl cited a case involving a Barrington woman who tied her dog in front of the house. An animal warden stayed at the residence after receiving a complaint until the owner arrived so the warden could make sure the animal was going to receive proper care.
Generally, animals should not be outside for any length of time during cold spells. Hackl said that may mean a dog owner is going to have to let the dog out more often or walk it so it can relieve itself.
He said an animal that has a run and has adequate food and water is in a very different situation that an animal chained to a tree or post with no water or food.
Hackl said some dogs can handle the weather and won't even bother going into their shelter.
"Some people just don't allow their dogs in the house," he said. "In a situation like that you have to make other provisions."
He also cautioned about leaving dogs in cars during the cold. Just like in summer, temperatures inside vehicles can kill the animal. In either instance, the pet owner will be ticketed.
Complaints should always be made to the local police department if residents live in a municipality. Police will then contact animal control. References- Lake County News-Sun - Feb 9, 2007
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