THUNDER BAY – Officials with the humane society are reminding residents that pets are best left inside during cold snaps like the one hitting this area.
Environment Canada predicts temperature will being to rise over the weekend, but until then the Thunder Bay District Humane Society’s director Melanie Blanchette says pets need to remain indoors as they are susceptible to frostbite just like humans.
“We see a lot of animals come in with frostbite, and frostbite can settle in very quickly,” Blanchette said during an interview with CKPR Radio Wednesday. “Animals are apt to lose anything from their ears, to their tails and even legs.”
The message to keep pets indoors is being echoed by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
OSPCA spokesman Jeremy Gardiner says owners will be charged if pets left outdoors appear to be suffering.
“If it’s too cold for you then it’s probably too cold for your dog,” he said. “They have fur, but they can still get frostbite on their feet and their ears.”
He added that leaving a pet inside a vehicle is not considered proper shelter.
(CKRP Radio)
