DETROIT – As frigid temperatures settle across Metro Detroit, Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) says it’s seeing a surge in calls and is urging residents to ensure pets have safe, warm shelter.
“It’s a busy time for animal control investigators and police,” said Investigator Raymond Hoskins with DACC.
DACC teams are responding to their regular workload, along with a growing number of complaints about dogs being left outside in the dangerous cold.
“Any dog outside on a day like today is considered an emergency,” Hoskins said.
Officials say cold-weather calls can come in for a range of issues.
On Detroit’s east side, one stop involved a dog being surrendered following an animal bite complaint.
Just a few miles away, Hoskins followed up on a report of a large German shepherd allegedly left outside.
After speaking with the homeowner, officers emphasized that education is often the first step.
In that case, DACC says the owner agreed to bring the dog inside.
Investigators say one common misconception is that a dog’s fur makes it naturally suited to winter weather.
“Sometimes people think that dogs are able to survive outside better than humans because they have fur,” Hoskins said. “And, unfortunately, fur is no better than clothing. And it depends on how much clothing and what it is.”
Hoskins noted that even breeds considered more cold-tolerant still face risk in extreme temperatures.
“Alaskan huskies, for example, are built for this kind of temperature, and it’s still too cold for them,” Hoskins said. “Pitbulls—they can’t handle this kind of temperature.”
Animal care advocates stress that pets need adequate protection from wind, precipitation, and dangerously low temperatures.
“In these temperatures, even if you have a doghouse and a supply of straw, it’s too cold to be outside,” Hoskins said.
With calls ramping up, DACC says it is partnering with Michigan Humane to coordinate responses and avoid duplicating efforts.
“We are working with the humane society to make sure that if we both get called to the same call, we both don’t respond,” Hoskins said.
DACC is also using social media to push public reminders for neighbors to watch for animals left outdoors in unsafe conditions.
DACC staff said they have received more than 800 calls since Sunday.
Officials encourage residents to report concerns to the Detroit Animal Care and Control Hotline: 313-922-DOGS.