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Animal Control on the lookout for pets left out in cold

As the temperatures dip into the negatives, pets left outside could be in serious danger. That’s why animal control officers are out patrolling the street...

As the temperatures dip into the negatives, pets left outside could be in serious danger. That's why animal control officers are out patrolling the streets, looking for pets that may need help.

In Rock Island, Animal Control Officer Byron Reynolds said it isn't against the law to keep your pet outdoors.

"There is not a law that says a dog has to come inside," said Reynolds. "The law clearly states it has to have adequate shelter."

That means owners need to have proper dog houses with food and water set out.

"When I go out on a call, there's a lot of things I look for. You can test the thickness of the ice. Like if they put fresh water out in the morning, it's not gong to freeze solid like a block," Reynolds said.

He also said that while the bedding inside a dog house isn't regulated, he stresses to every dog owner to put straw bedding down for their pet.

"Not blankets, because with blankets, the dogs feet get wet and track it inside the dog house. when the blanket gets wet, the dog is laying on a frozen bed," said Reynolds.

According to Dr. Lauran Hughes from Animal Family Care Center in Davenport, hypothermia and frostbite can set in for dogs nearly as fast as it can set in for humans, about 20 to 30 minutes.

Hughes said if your pet has been out in the harsh elements too long, you need to check the bottom of their paw pads and their ear tips for any sign of frostbite. The affected area will first turn bright red, then white, then black when the skin dies.

Hughes said a good rule of thumb for pet owners is if it's too cold outside for the owner, it's too cold outside for the pet.

Meanwhile, Reynolds said he's not going to seize any animal before considering all other variables.

Reynolds said he can tell if a dog is being neglected and left outside without proper care, or if the owner just let it out momentarily. He said if the dog's coat is shiny, there aren't many tracks in the yard, or it has adequate outdoor shelter, he won't seize the animal.

"It's better to educate. You don't want to be the strong arm guy that comes in and takes a pet because somebody didn't try to do something. Education in our business is top priority because some people just don't really think," Reynolds said. "You educate them, let them know the way it's gotta be, or [animal control] will come in a and take your pet, period."

Reynolds said pet owners need to be knowledgeable about their city's and state's pet ordinances if they want to avoid any run-ins with animal control.

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