WILMINGTON — It might not feel like it yet, but colder weather is on the way for the Cape Fear region. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing this week and, while the relief from the heat might be a welcome thing for some residents, for four-legged friends the cold can be unbearable. That’s why the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Animal Services is reminding residents to take care of their pets, especially outdoor animals.
Failure to provide adequate conditions for pets can lead to both civil and criminal citations, Deputy Stephen Watson said.
New Hanover County has a set of ordinances that address the conditions animals in the county may be kept in.
For example, according to county ordinance, “Dog owners are required to provide an outdoor pen meeting the following specifications: each dog less than 25 pounds must have a kennel of at least 8- feet by 10-feet in size, and each dog 25 pounds or greater must have a kennel of 10-feet x 10-feet in size. Animal services reserves the right to determine if a space is considered suitable for the number and size of dogs housed in an outdoor enclosure.”
Dogs must also have suitable shelter when kept outdoors, Watson said. This means a dog house with at least three walls and a roof, or a prefabricated “igloo” type dog house. While it is not required by law, Watson suggests lining the floor of the shelter with hay or blankets to help pets stay warm in the winter. At no time are dogs allowed to be kept outdoors on ropes or chains according to the ordinance.
At any time of the year pets must be provided with adequate fresh water and food. With cold weather approaching, freshwater for drinking is at risk of freezing so residents should be mindful of that possibility.
“Animals are some of the most vulnerable to cold temperatures, as they can suffer from deadly frostbite and exposure, become dehydrated when water sources freeze, and even die,” according to PETA.
Michael Praats can be reached at [email protected]
