Westmont, Illinois - Date Issued: December 8, 2020
The Westmont Police Department would like to remind residents about pet safety in cold weather. The Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act enables law enforcement to proactively address cruel treatment of pets, which includes extreme weather conditions that may result in injury or death. The Westmont Police Department has been trained to enforce village and state laws that fall under the Humane Care Act.
Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside. Long-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods of time in below-freezing weather.
- Pets should be monitored when they are outside during cold weather and only for short periods of time.
- Cold weather can dry out dog pads, and salt and ice between their toes can cause injury. For dogs, check their paws or use dog booties for walks. If your dog has a shorter coat, you may want to consider a dog coat/sweater to keep them warm and dry.
- Avoid icy areas. Ponds, lakes and other water may not be fully frozen and your pet could break through the ice and be injured.
- Make some noise when entering your vehicle to scare off any wild animals that are using your car for warmth.
- Cold weather also brings the risk of severe winter weather, blizzards and power outages. Prepare an emergency kit that includes items for your family pets in your plans.
If you suspect any kind of neglect regarding pets being left outside or unattended this winter season, contact the Westmont Police Department at 630-981-6300 or if the animal is in immediate danger, dial 9-1-1.
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