Pets Left In The Cold

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Pets Left In The Cold

By Melissa Stee

It all starts when you are out walking in your neighborhood and you see a pet out in the cold. All you have to do is make a call to Second Chance Rescue and they'll come pick them up.

Dana Wigg, Humane Officer with Second Chance Rescue Center says the cold temperatures can freeze ears and paws on little animals. And she says it's become more of an issue than most people realize.

Dana Wigg says, "It's amazing the amount of people that aren't willing to fix the problem or don't know there is a problem in the first place so that's what we're here for."

And these temperatures can even be deadly for those pets. Just as your hand can get frostbite in the snow, so can those animals.

But Dana says even on sunny days in the winter, the temperatures are cold enough to freeze little ears and paws, but she says protecting dog and cats isn't difficult. It takes just a phone call, and she'll come take a look at the situation, and get them the medical attention they might need.

That's something Dana says she's committed to.

Dana Wigg says, "This is really sad and frustrating but I know that it's going to be an ongoing ordeal and I'm willing to deal with it everyday as much as it takes."

On really cold days, Dana says they'll get between 15 and 20 calls about animals out on the street.

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The following comments do not necessarily represent the views of KSFY.com. Users have agreed to these terms and in doing so accept full responsibility for their comments. Moderation is limited.

Monday, Jan 5 at 9:42 AM Anonymous wrote ...

What about coyotes and cows and wild cats and raccons. that is why they are animals.

Monday, Jan 5 at 10:43 AM wow wrote ...

That's why they're wild and domesticated. Duh.

Monday, Jan 5 at 11:43 AM wildflower wrote ...

Farmers provide shelter for cattle. That is the law. Coyotes and raccoons have adapted to the cold after thousands of years. They, too seek shelter. Household cats that are now wild are in danger of dying when they are out in the extreme cold. Some have found a warm corner in a barn or under a garage, but not all are so lucky. Some of these cats go under the hood of a car where the engine is warm. These are killed when the car is started by a driver who is unaware the cat is there.

Monday, Jan 5 at 1:10 PM Bill Ingvall wrote ...

"And she says it's become more of an issue than most people realize."---I hope most people 'realize' that cold weather exists. Here's your sign KSFY!

Monday, Jan 5 at 2:27 PM Anonymous wrote ...

the sad thing is is a lot of those animals on the street were not born there though...its owners that just cant take care of them and then put them out on the street...if an animal is acustomed to being out there thats one things but when their bodies are not prepared for the cold weather those are the animals you see that die...i think this woman is doing a great thing and i have nothing but respect for her and her postion!

Tuesday, Jan 6 at 12:24 AM Anon wrote ...

Is there a phone number to call if you see a cold Homeless Person? No? Why is that? Oh I know. Because there's no money in taking care of the homeless. They're just human beings. No need to keep them warm. Oh look there's a cat someone abandoned. Excuse me while I call this number.

Tuesday, Jan 6 at 8:59 AM Heather wrote ...

I have a Husky and a black Lab They do get left outside when it is cold outside but when i go out o feed them and my hands start burning i bring them inside andjust let them out to go to the bathroom. I see animals outside and i want to take them in and make them warm

Tuesday, Jan 6 at 1:02 PM Anonymous wrote ...

We should not drive cars in the winter to save the cats.

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