Humane Education
You’ve noticed that your neighbor’s dog has been left outside for hours. The dog has a small plastic igloo type of dog house. Are you wondering, does this type of shelter really keep a dog warm? When is it NOT okay to leave a dog outside? What is an appropriate dog house for a dog who lives outside? New York State has several laws regarding dogs who are housed outside and the structure of their shelter. This is a small excerpt of what the law states regarding this issue:
“(b) For all dogs that are left outdoors in inclement weather, a housing facility, which must: (1) have a waterproof roof; (2) be structurally sound with insulation appropriate to local climatic conditions and sufficient to protect the dog from inclement weather; (3) be constructed to allow each dog adequate freedom of movement to make normal postural adjustments, including the ability to stand up, turn around and lie down with its limbs outstretched; and…(click here to read more).
Though that cute igloo dog house may have provided adequate shelter for the dog during the summer or early autumn months, temperatures are now dropping and this type of dog house is not insulated and provides no source of protection from the freezing weather.
So, when should you speak up? When should you make that call? You need to make that call anytime you are unsure about the proper care of any animal. Why? Because that animal cannot make the call himself. That animal needs YOU.
Who to call:
In Westchester County, call the Animal Abuse 24/7 Hotline at 914.941.7797.
In New York City, call the ASPCA at 212.876.7700, ext. 4450
*All calls remain confidential.
The New Rochelle Humane Society strongly recommends that pet owners keep their dogs and cats inside their homes.
