With extreme cold weather gripping our community it has become increasingly important to ensure pet owners are aware that exposure to harsh conditions can cause serious illness or death to animals. So many animals in our community are being left outdoors without adequate shelter or fresh water. This is neglect.

Animal cruelty generally falls into two categories: neglect or intentional cruelty. Neglect is the failure to provide adequate water, food, shelter or necessary care to pets. In some cases neglect is a result of the owner’s ignorance, which can be rectified by educating the pet owner and law enforcement issuing orders to ensure the animal’s quality of life.

The Standard of Care under the Ontario SPCA Act requires that domesticated animals that primarily live outdoors be provided with a structurally sound enclosure (weatherproofed, insulated and appropriate for the size of the animal), and a constant supply of fresh water. When temperatures drop below freezing, pets should not be left outdoors to protect them from frostbite, hypothermia or death.

There has been an increase in reports of animals roaming at large and dogs being chained to their doghouse, with frozen water dishes in subzero temperatures. These complaints are offering defenceless animals protection and a second chance. Pet owners need to take responsibility for the animals in their care. Negligent pet owners need to be held accountable and laws need to be changed to ensure the safety of these neglected animals.

The law hasn’t changed in 67 years. It is time we stand up for the rights of these animals and stop the neglect.

It is our responsibility as a community to ensure proper care and managements of pets be enforced and complied with.

A petition has been started to Ban Dog Tethering in Ontario. To reduce all forms of cruelty and encourage a more compassionate society, we ask each of you to sign this petition and/or contact your MPP Nickel Belt Frances Gelinas fgelinas-co@ndp.on.ca or Glen Thibeault gthibeault.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org.

Debbie Willmott

Kelly Spry-Proulx