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Ontario SPCA Reminding Residents To Keep Your Pet Warm This Winter

Sunday, 6 December 2015 07:43

OXFORD COUNTY- As the temperature drops and the snow flies, we need to make sure we are keeping our pets safe.

OXFORD COUNTY- As the temperature drops and the snow flies, we need to make sure we are keeping our pets safe.

Inspector Brandon James with the Ontario SPCA says under the Ontario SPCA Act and the Criminal Code there are certain provisions that must be met. "The animal has to have protection from the elements, whether it's 40 degrees above or below. That means the animal has to have protection from the wind, from the rain, from the snow. Charged could be laid if animals are left out without those provisions." If an animal cannot be brought into the house he recommends a raised enclosure (like a dog house) that's well insulated. He recommends straw bedding as well because it repels water, but holds in heat.

Although our weather has been fairly mild lately, those rainy days followed by night time temperatures that drop below the zero mark can be very dangerous according to James. "The body temperature already is struggling to stay where it needs to be and then once the animal is wet, you know be it a cow or a cat, it will struggle more at night or when the temperature does dip to keep that body heat up. The animal will be suffering or feeling the effects more once they're wet." 

As the temperature continues to drop, we also need to spare a thought for animals who have no where else to go. James says some animals will be desperately seeking shelter and warmth at night. "Cats will seek shelter in engine compartments of vehicles to suck in some of that heat from the engine. A good thing to do when you start your car in the morning - especially on the cold days - is to give a couple of taps to the hood to hopefully spook that animal so it doesn't get trapped in the belts and the engine when it does start."

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