Animal Control Care Corner

By Joe Rodweller
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and the best New Year celebration yet.
It has been quite cold out there for some time and there have been a few calls on animals being left out for extended amounts of time. Last winter there were a few people charged with animal cruelty because they would not listen and left their animals out in the brutal cold with no help. Last year we posted on the radio, Facebook and in the newspaper about frostbite and the times allowed for animals outside. This year will most likely be the same. However, I would like to change one thing from last year’s reports and that is the time allowed for animals outside during brutal cold temperatures.
We had given a specific amount of time for the temperature readings that animals could be left out or something close to this. This time we will not give a time, it was just a best guess anyway. If you are responsible for your pets then you do not need someone giving you a time. You will know when it is time for them to come in. It will most likely be about the same time you can stand to be out there with only a sweater on. When you let them out in this kind of weather you go out with them and if you cannot stand the cold, neither can they and you can both go back inside. It’s quite simple, try it and you will see.
This is obviously not the same for our cold-weather tolerant pets. They seem to be able to withstand a lot more cold then others and only require you to check or keep an eye on them while outside.
This by no means makes it all right to leave any pet out for too long. If this happens and anyone notices your pet shaking or having no shelter, food or water, you may face a charge of animal cruelty. It is not worth it to take this kind of chance, so in the very cold times that you leave your pet out to do its business, stay out there with him if you can. As for those people out there who seem to watch out for abuse taking place, stay vigil, do not stop. Something else to watch for would be a pet chained up outside. This could mean the animal is left out for extended periods. If it has a shelter, it may be ok but if it looks wrong, call your animal control officer or local police. Remember, all domestic animals require a shelter, food and water when left outside. Be the voice of domestic animals and report all animal abuse you may see out there. You may save their life.
We have received a few calls from people who would like to give a helping hand to anyone needing it with their pets. We understand how difficult it can be sometimes when trying to care for animals and also handle other everyday things. This year, not enough money has been a problem with more people trying to make ends meet and care for their pets. We would like you all to know that there are some out there who are willing to help in any way. This could mean help with borrowing heat lamps, bedding, food or cages for extended time indoors. Maybe litter boxes and cat litter. You will never know what kind of help you can receive if you do not call. Don’t be embarrassed to call, we will keep it confidential. We have all been there at one time or another. Everyone can stand to use some help once in a while. Pay it forward. Thanks for reading.
 Joe Rodweller of Linneus, a certified animal control officer and member of the Maine Animal Control Association, operates Maine Animal Control with his wife Debbie. He can be reached at 538-1347 or via e-mail at debjoe347@yahoo.com.