We have identified the need to clearly define the unacceptable range of  temperatures/conditions for the care of animals in our community.  The North Platte city ordinance, 90.04  CARE OF ANIMALS, doesn't clearly define animal cruelty in a way that allows help to be given when needed.  We are told by local officials that their hands are tied if a neglected animal has at least a 3 sided shelter and water.  We have read through the ordinances and that EXCUSE does not appear anywhere.  We believe that the problem with getting aid to animals in need is due to not having a well defined expectation of what ADEQUATE is. 

§ 90.04  CARE OF ANIMALS
   (A)   Required. It shall be unlawful for any person owning, keeping, harboring or otherwise in possession or control of any animal to fail to provide any or all of the following to the animal:
      (1)  ADEQUATE CARE: Normal and prudent attention to the needs of an animal, including that care which is normally necessary to maintain good health in a specific species of animal.
      (2)   Adequate control;
      (3)   Adequate food;
      (4)   Adequate health care;
      (5)  ADEQUATE SHELTER: A structurally sound, properly ventilated, sanitary and weatherproof shelter for the species, condition and age of the animal which provides access to shade from direct sunlight and regress from exposure to inclement weather conditions. 
      (6)   Adequate water

What is ADEQUATE?:  Definition: satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity.  It has become clear that we need to determine the acceptable range of conditions that is adequate as this has been left up to loose interpretation and therefore varies from official to official, but almost always results in the same lack of action.

What is Inclement Weather? lacking mildness. wet and COLD. existence of rain or abnormal climatic conditions (whether they be those of hail, snow, cold, high wind, severe dust storm, extreme high or low temperature), by virtue of which it is either unsafe and/or unreasonable for people or animals to be outside exposed to this weather.

A dog house that doesn't have a heat source is not appropriate for freezing conditions, according to most veterinarians and animal rights advocates.  As in the video we provided, a dog house does NOT protect from the cold.  If water in a dog dish freezes, it's too cold for most short-haired breeds... without some heat source such as a heat pad or heat lamp and/or stacking haybales around the dog house.

Several local officials and a representative of the Nebraska Humane Society have stated to us that the city ordinance needs to be changed...  so let's get that CHANGED!  

We must all take care of our fur-babies as a valued member of the family.  North Platte, we can do better : )

Also, please contact our local officials to help us get this fixed. 

North Platte Mayor, Brandon A. Kelliher (308) 535-6724

North Platte City Council: 2020-2022

James Nisley (308) 534-3391
Donna Tryon (308) 660-4320
Pete Volz (308) 520-1576
Ty Lucas (308) 534-5987
 Brad Garrick (308) 520-9078
James Carman (308) 520-6904
Ed Rieker (308) 534-9211
Mark Woods (308) 534-5458