Every winter in Tennessee, animals suffer and die simply because they are left outside in extreme cold. This is already illegal, yet rescues continue to find dogs and cats freezing, starving, and forgotten when temperatures drop.

Operation Cold Snap saves lives.

In the recent rescue of 11 emaciated animals, Operation Cold Snap proved how powerful coordinated action can be when nonprofits, law enforcement, and the public work together ahead of dangerous weather. But too many areas of the state still lack the resources to respond in time.

This winter, we can do better.

We are calling on Governor Bill Lee, state agencies, and local officials to formally expand and support Operation Cold Snap statewide. This includes better coordination with rescues, emergency funding for temporary shelter, public alerts before extreme cold, and faster response in rural communities.

The law already protects pets from being left in freezing temperatures. What is missing is consistent enforcement and the resources to act quickly before animals suffer.

Animal lovers know that prevention matters. Every rescue that happens before a storm hits means fewer animals in pain and fewer lives lost.

Please sign this petition to support expanding Operation Cold Snap across Tennessee. No pet should be left to freeze when we have the ability to step in and save them.

Photo: Thompson