The current anti-cruelty laws for the state of Michigan require pet owners to provide enough food, water, a shelter, sanitation, and veterinary care in order to maintain the pet in a state of good health. Unfortunately these laws were not written taking extreme weather conditions in mind. Even a dog house well stuffed with straw could not be expected to keep a healthy animal completely safe in arctic temperatures, and extreme humidity, let alone animals that are sick and old.

Sadly, some people don’t realize the suffering of animals living outside. In my opinion, if a pet owner chooses to leave an animal out in life-threatening temperatures, he/she should be charged with animal cruelty and the animal should be confiscated immediately to prevent severe frostbite, hypothermia, burns, heat fatigue and possible death.

I understand that changing such a law in the state of Michigan will take patience, but I think it's very important as animals are as sensitive to such extreme weather conditions as people are. You wouldn't see someone leave their child out in extreme weather conditions and claim "It's ok they have enough food and shelter." It should be unnacceptable to treat animals this way and something needs to be done about it.

Please consider passing an ordinance that requires pet owners to bring their pets inside in life threatening temperatures, or they risk a fine and a charge for animal cruelty. The voiceless animals need our help right now. 

Thank you, Anne Armstrong