As New York gets a significant amount of snow this week, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the nation’s leading legal advocacy organization for animals, has tips for how pet owners can ensure their companion animals sail through even the worst weather winter has to offer. The organization says that dogs, cats, and other companion animals are not much better equipped to handle the cold than humans are, so it’s important to pay close attention to signals they may be getting uncomfortable.

 

• First and foremost, bring your companion animals indoors, where it is warm. If it’s too cold for you to be outside, it’s too cold—and potentially deadly—for them.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia—shivering, weak pulse, dilated pupils, stupor, and unconsciousness. If an animal exhibits these symptoms, get them to a veterinarian right away!
• “Salts” that melt snow can be a serious irritant for an animal’s paws—and some are toxic if eaten. Make sure to wipe or rinse their feet when back indoors.
• Don’t leave antifreeze in open containers. Antifreeze is deadly—its sweet taste attracts almost any animal and will kill them.
• Bang on the hood of your car before starting it—small animals, including cats, may crawl under the hood to find warmth. Companion animals give us unconditional love but they can’t tell us when they get too cold. A little care and caution will go a long way toward keeping all our family members healthy this winter.

 

If you see an animal in distress outdoors, call 911.

 

The organization says it is not uncommon for dogs and cats left outdoors in the brutal cold to suffer severe frostbite or even to freeze to death. State laws differ dramatically when it comes to defining the standards of care required for animals. Some states fail to expressly include a requirement to provide adequate “shelter” as an element of the crime of animal neglect. Nebraska, New Mexico, and New York are guilty of this omission.

 

However, others, like North Dakota expressly mandate it. For example, in North Dakota, neglect of a dog or a cat includes failing to provide shelter from the elements, as appropriate for the species, the breed, and the age and physical condition of the animal.

 

The Animal Legal Defense Fund says that one thing is certain, however. It is illegal to cause a companion animal to freeze to death in all 50 states and in the District of Columbia. The organization says it is frequently contacted regarding animal cruelty charges filed against people who have left animals out in the cold.

 

Advocates say public scrutiny and law enforcement are the best tools to enforce animal cruelty laws, and that is why they make it a priority to expose such neglect—like leaving dogs outdoors to freeze to death— as well as making sure violators of these laws are held accountable.

 

The Humane Society of New York provides the following additional information on animal rights laws and welfare in New York State and City:

“Animal Protection Bills

Below is a summary of animal protection bills pending before the New York City legislature and the New York State legislature. We may update this list as bills are introduced and amended. To access the texts of the bills below, other animal related bills, and action taken on the bills, go to www.nyassembly.gov and www.nysenate.gov.

New York City Legislation

Stay up to date with local animal welfare legislation. View a summary of key animal protections bills pending before the NYC Council. October 30, 2019 was truly a groundbreaking day in NYC for animal protection. In total, 11 bills and resolutions were passed to help make our city more humane. Once signed by Mayor de Blasio, these bills will become law. View the full list.

New York State Legislation

• Animal Cruelty
• Animal Shelters/Animal Control Officers/Dog Licensing/Animal ID
• Circus/Zoo
• Custody
• Experimentation
• Farmed Animals and Related Bills
• Groomers and Trainers
• Horse Protection
• Housing
• Humane Education
• Insurance
• Negligence Causing Harm
• Pet Dealers
• Spay/Neuter
• Veterinarians
• Wildlife

 

The Bronx Resource Center, an affiliate of Animal Care Centers NYC, located at 464 East Fordham Road in Belmont, is currently closed (potentially due to COVID-related staffing shortages). We understand that emergency services are only being provided to critically ill or injured animals but it’s best to call ahead to check. For field services, call 311. You can find a Map & Directions here.

 

Norwood News previously reported how on Apr. 29, 2020, the City’s emergency management department and the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare announced the launch of the NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline for those who need support for their pets during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first of its kind in the country. The number to call is 1-877-204-8821.