Animal Protection of New Mexico (APNM) urges people to provide adequate shelter from the elements for domestic animals during the winter months. Companion animals, such as dogs and cats, should be allowed indoors as much as possible, but particularly during weather extremes. Animals should always have weatherproof shelter, food and water.
New Mexico’s state cruelty law (NMSA 30-18-1) mandates that animal guardians provide necessary sustenance, which can be defined to include shelter. Most local city and county animal ordinances contain specific provisions for shelter requirements to protect animals.
When dogs must stay outside, here are a few tips to help ensure they are taken care of and that citizens aren’t breaking the law. A weatherproof shelter should be large enough to accommodate the animal, and small enough to retain body heat. The shelter should be protected on all sides from the elements. It should have a door, and contain dry, absorbent bedding such as straw. The best animal houses are raised off of the ground, well insulated, shingled to keep out moisture, and positioned to protect against the elements (southeast exposure is usually best).
All animals left outdoors, including horses and livestock, should be provided with additional food during cold weather to help maintain overall health and body weight—especially if adequate shelter is not provided. Livestock should have a windbreak—it could save their lives. Clean water should be available continuously, even if snow is present, and checked frequently to ensure it does not freeze.
APNM encourages citizens to work with their local animal control departments to stockpile a few extra doghouses for those in need. Offering a weatherproof shelter and some clean straw to animals that must stay outside can help to make them comfortable, and may even save their lives.
Animals can easily freeze to death or become seriously injured by New Mexico’s winter climate. Something as simple as bringing them indoors can prevent that from happening. Providing for companion animals is not only the right thing to do, it is the law.
Whether or not it is cold outside, dogs are pack animals—most of all, they want to be with their families.
For more information, visit the Humane Society of the United States’ web site at: www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/protect_your_pet_from_winters_woes.html
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