Amanda Steed, an adoptions councilor at McKamey Animal Center, gives Chloe some attention on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015.As night temperatures start dropping below freezing, pets left outside can suffer or even die from exposure.
“The bitter cold and numbing wetness of winter can create life-threatening conditions for those animals kept outdoors, especially when the animal is without the proper shelter or body condition,” said Jamie McAloon, McKamey Animal Center executive director, in a news release. “Hypothermia rapidly sets in.”
Tennessee law requires outdoor dogs to have proper shelter. McKamey is helping people in need provide that shelter, offering doghouses and straw to those who cannot bring their pets inside.
“These doghouses, along with the donated straw, are saving lives,” McAloon said. “Freezing temperatures quickly take a toll on dogs without proper shelter. These programs prevent animal suffering.”
Chattanooga bans leaving dogs on a chain between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Shelters must be enclosed to retain the animal’s body heat.