NE Franklin News

A dangerous winter storm is headed our way and the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center is urging our community to please bring pets indoors tonight and through the weekend.

Temperatures in our area are expected to plunge well into the single digits tonight where they will stay through the weekend. 

Subzero temperatures like these can quickly become life-threatening and even become fatal for outdoor pets. 

At this time, it is crucial that our outdoor pets are brought inside where they can be kept safe.

If you are unable to bring them inside of the home with you, please consider placing them in a crate inside of the garage, the basement or in a spare room.  Ask your neighbors, friends or family to see if anyone is able to house your pets temporarily for you through the weekend. 

Just like humans, our pets are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. With temperatures reaching well below freezing and winds of up to 60 mph we looking at potential wind-chills of -20 degrees.

If the pet must be left outdoors, please be sure that the pet has A proper, insulated shelter that is raised at least 3 inches off of the ground.  The shelter should have a wind flap/barrier from the wind and outdoor elements such as rain and snow. The bedding should be dry straw or another natural type of bedding. 

 Do NOT use blankets or towels as these will freeze and will cause the pet to also freeze as well.

 If you see something, say something. If you witness pets being left outdoors without proper shelter and for long periods of time, please report this right away to Columbus Humane by calling # 614-777-7387 or by visiting https://www.columbushumane.org/report-cruelty

Original source can be found here.