TOO COLD FOR YOU,
TOO COLD FOR YOUR DOG



It’s plain and simple.  If you leave your dog outside in this frigid weather, you are in violation of Tennessee law and you could end up in prison.

Don’t do it, unless you are found guilty and charged.  Your choices are incarceration or paying a hefty fine to the Tennessee courts.  It’s the government's way of protecting those who have no voice and are subjected to human selfishness and ignorance.

Currently, DeKalb County is in the midst of a frigid and arctic weather front affecting Middle Tennessee, It’s been a long time since temperatures have been so low for so long.  From past years, I remember bionic snowfall.  I don’t remember lengthy sub-freezing temperatures.

There is nothing in this world more tragic and unsettling than seeing a helplessly-chained and shivering dog curled for warmth in the menacing winds and single-digit temperatures.  It questions the perpetrators surrounding common sense and motivation, which are behind being oblivious to such an upsetting and disastrously planned sight.
 
The laws are straightforward:  Failure to provide adequate shelter is
considered animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor in Tennessee.  Aggravated animal cruelty, which is intentionally causing harm or death, is a felony. The latter also relates to being charged with animal cruelty for a second time.

And like you, dogs and cats have a hard time surviving this frigid weather, especially the unforgiving subfreezing temperatures now found hovering in DeKalb County, Tennessee.  If you see a pet left out in the cold, you are asked to call local Dispatch at 615-215-3000.


In general, it is considered unsafe for dogs to sleep outside when the temperature drops below 32 degrees, which is now.  If unsure, consult your veterinarian.  Or better yet, take dogs inside your house or garage for a temporary warm-up, or call the local Dispatch number listed below. Dogs (and cats) do get cold at night, so make sure to bring them indoors on chilly evenings. This same approach applies to indoor pets, who also get cold.  Make sure their paws are free from snow and/or ice.

Local ordinances may also have additional requirements, such as
restricting or prohibiting tethering dogs in freezing temperatures.  The definition of tethering is: typing an animal with a rope or chain to restrict its movement.”  

Tennessee’s shelter requirements are as follows:
• SHELTER:  The shelter (the dog’s home) must be waterproof, off the ground, and large enough for the dog to lie in.  It must have a roof, a door large enough for the dog to enter and exit, and a floor.
• INSULATION:  The shelter must provide adequate insulation to keep the dog warm.
• WATER:  The dog must have access to clean water that is not frozen.
• BEDDING: The shelter must have bedding material inside.
• SIZE:  The shelter must be built of strong, substantial materials that will protect the dog in inclement weather.

Today in Tennessee, there are 13 persons listed as animal abusers.  One is from Sparta and two are from McMinnville.  There is one female.   As of today, there are none from DeKalb County.  Why?  The three are mentioned below:
• Joshua Blake Hurst
DOB:  May 18, 2001
Address:  398 Orchard Lane, McMinnville, TN  37110
County of Conviction:  Hawkins
Offense:  Aggravated Cruelty to Animals

• Ronnie Glenn Bain
DOB: July 15, 1963
Address:  1307 Sparta Street, McMinnville, TN  37110
County of Conviction: Warren
Offense:  Aggravated Cruelty to Animals

• Steven William Conley, Jr.
DOB:  August 23, 1989
Address:  2168 Cedar Creek Road, Sparta, TN   38683
County of Conviction: White
Offense:  Cruelty to Animals

According to www.accuweather.com, the first time for the low temperatures to be above freezing in DeKalb County is Thursday, February 6, 2025 when the low temperature is forecast to be 33 degrees!  The overall result is there will be 28 days of sub-freezing daily temperatures before any higher daily temperature is predicted (33 degrees).

As temperatures around the United States plummet to historic lows, it’s important to keep in mind that all dogs need extra protection when it comes to cold weather.  Their coats or breeds have nothing to do with canine warmth.  It’s up to you to furnish your dog’s warmth.

Of utmost importance, “A dogs blood vessels constrict to divert blood flow to the extremities, meaning their ears, tail, and paws are susceptible to frostbite.  This combination of decreased blood flow and cold temperatures can lead to the freezing of the dog’s tissues, which can cause severe damage or death, wrote Dogmd.com.”

Listed in Daily Paws are the top tips for how to keep your furry friends safe and warm when its cold outside:
• PROTECT YOUR PET FROM FROSTBITE:  Keep them indoors if possible.  They’re not used to subfreezing weather and snowfall.  Neither are you.
• BE CAREFUL WITH SALT AND ICE MELT:  Use a pet-safe ice melt.  The current chemicals used in common salt and ice melt can cause salt toxicity or chemical poisoning of your pet.
• WATCH FOR SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA:  Both cats and dogs can suffer from this condition when temperatures fall.  A drop in a pet’s temperature can cause them to collapse and even die.  If cold, give them a bowl of warm chicken broth.
• SUPERVISE ANIMALS AROUND BODIES OF WATER:  Ice presents another dangerous predicament for curious cats and dogs who want to explore their surroundings.  Keep pets leashed when around all bodies of water.
• REGULARLY MOISTURIZE:  Just like humans, dogs and cats can get dry skin in the winter time.  Use a humidifier to increase humidity.  Leave the lotion in the cabinet!
• PREVENT DEHYDRATION:  Pets and people can still get dehydrated in the winter.  Make sure your pet is drinking enough water and other fluids.
• CONSIDER WEATHER-APPROPRIATE GROOMING:  Consider a longer hair style during the winter for your pet.  Do not shave the animal.
• KEEP YOUR PET INDOORS:  While most kittens are indoor cats, it’s a good idea to keep all pets indoors during the frigid weather.  If you walk your pet daily, substitute exercise as a temporary replacement.  

The bad news is that the DeKalb County Animal Shelter is filled with rescued dogs and cats at the present time, which means no additional admissions.  The good news is that all rambling and lost dogs and cats can find a warm place to stay during the current inclement weather.  This is achieved as follows:  If you see a “stray” animal roaming the streets and hillsides of DeKalb County, Tennessee, please call the county Dispatch number at 615-215-3000.  After a telephone summons, actions will be taken to protect the animal from the elements.  Foremost, remember that it is against the law in Tennessee not to take care of your dog during frigid, inclement weather.  There are legal punishments for those persons not following orders.

The sponsor of Senate Bill #2243, Senator Jon Landsburg said, “We need to raise awareness that if we are responsible, especially with dogs and cats, we need to take care of them.  It’s our duty!”  Later, Tennessee Governor, Bill Lee, signed the amendment to the Animal Abuse bill.  (See notation below).

If you would like to personally thank Sen. Lundberg for introducing this bill on the Senate floor, he can be reached at:
Senator Jon Lundsberg
425 Rep. John Lewis Way North
Suite 744 - Cordell Hull Building
Nashville, TN  37243

In conclusion, remember:  If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet.  Please, be kind.