Metro Detroit Urges Pet Protection in Extreme Cold; Violators Face Citations, Possible Pet Removal

Law enforcement officials across Metro Detroit issued warnings Tuesday about protecting pets during extreme cold weather, with threats of citations and animal removal for violators. 

The Eastpointe Animal Control Division in Macomb County said it will issue citations and possibly remove pets until forfeiture hearings for owners who leave animals outside in harsh conditions.

"If you choose to leave your pet outside in this weather, we will choose to issue citations with possibly resulting in removing your pet until your forfeiture hearing," the division said in a statement Tuesday according to CBS News.

Genesee County Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson discussed the perils that cold weather brings in a social media video Saturday. His comments came after animal control officers in his area learned about an animal neglect case on Jan. 6.

The Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control said even dog breeds that seem built for winter might not handle harsh cold well. Only heavy-coated breeds such as huskies or samoyeds should be out in temperatures between 0 and 20 degrees, the group said, and when watched closely.

Temperatures below 0 degrees are "dangerous for ALL breeds, quick potty breaks as needed; frostbite can occur in minutes," the group said in a social media post.

Eastpointe has specific rules for pet owners. Pets can't be outside for more than 30 minutes when temperatures drop below 45 degrees. No pets are allowed outside unattended between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Animals can't live outside, in sheds or in garages at any time, officials said.

Residents who want to report animal care concerns should include the address and a photo or video with a date and time stamp. Officers asked for detailed information about the current time a pet is outside and how long the animal stayed outside.

Citations that apply to animal care include lack of a dog license, public nuisance, and animal neglect.