We talked to Animal Control, and the woman's husband, about what happened.
Frost bite, cracked paws or even freezing to death are very real dangers for animals left outside. Not only is it dangerous, it can be illegal.
Jessica Swain of Sioux Falls was arrested Sunday for alleged animal neglect, after a witness told authorities Swain had left her husky, Mickey, outside for several hours.
"It was absolutely freezing outside and an animal can get frostbite so quickly. And in those extreme temperatures, it doesn't matter if it's a husky or a pointer, they have exposed skin," said Missy John, Sioux Falls Animal Control Officer.
"We didn't leave him outside for three hours on a 20 below day. That's ridiculous," said Lamar Swain, Jessica's husband.
Jessica's husband, Lamar, says the arrest of his wife was unwarranted and traumatizing for their children. He says the dog was let outside several different times throughout the day.
"It was based on one witness's statement that we left our dog outside for extended periods of time over the last 2 and half weeks, and I think that's one of the most ridiculous things," said Lamar.
Animal Control Officer, Missy John, says they have talked to the Swain's before about pet safety precautions they needed to fix.
"They were advised that the dog has to have a shelter outside at all times. That's state law, that's city law. The dog just has to have a shelter," said John.
Mickey was returned to the Swain's Sunday night, after a veterinarian check. John says while they couldn't see frostbite, there were still signs of danger any owner can look for.
"It's one of those things where when the skin is so cold to the touch after it's been in a warm house, like this one was, it's been outside too long," said John.
"He's a nice healthy dog, and we treat him just like family," said Lamar.
Lamar says they will be getting a dog house for Mickey very soon, and will fight his wife's charges in court.
John says she hopes others will continue to monitor the safety of neighborhood pets, and make calls when there are concerns.
“Leaving any dogs outside can be a problem, but in the winter it’s that much scarier, because it’s so unforgiving,” said Dr. Michael Hughes, of the Yellowknife Veterinary Clinic. “People don’t realize how dangerous the cold is.”
A dog’s ability to survive depends, of course, on the breed.
Dogs like Huskies can survive at much lower temperatures, but they still need shelter to get out of the wind and hay they can burrow into for insulation. They also need far more food, as staying warm burns calories.
There’s also an age factor, said Pisz. “New born puppies freeze very quickly and older dogs have worse circulation and immune systems.”
(Keloland.com - Jan 19, 2016)
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