Mercer County seeing influx of pets seized as temperature drops

PRINCETON, W. Va. (WVVA) -As the temperature continues to drop, it can become dangerous to be outside for too long, But while we get jackets, hats, and gloves, it’s a different situation for many pets during the winter months, even here in our area.

We spoke to Elizabeth Syres, a Mercer County Animal Control Officer, who says, right now, they’re seeing a large influx of dogs they’ve had to impound because of the weather, housing them in the already-overcrowded Mercer County Animal Shelter.

West Virginia State Codes say outdoor pets must have proper shelter, and Syres says these violations may be due to pet owners simply not knowing the law. It says, if it drops below forty degrees, you must bring in senior pets as well as puppies and kittens. Lower than thirty degrees, all animals need to be indoors or in a garage or outbuilding.

You should also raise the dog house off the ground and use pine needles or straw instead of blankets, due to freezing.

She says nine times out of ten, animals they find improperly left in the cold get seized, however, animal control can help before it reaches that point.

“…We have plenty of resources if you reach out to us that we would be more than willing to provide. We’re just a phone call away, so we really encourage people that, you know, if you’re struggling this time of the year and you need some straw, you need a doghouse, whatever resources that we can provide for you, you know, we’ll definitely try to step in to be able to provide those,” says Syres.

Syres adds that it only takes fifteen minutes for hypothermia to set in, and a lot of times, by the time it is noticed, it’s too late.

If you do see an animal in need of help, she says to contact the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department to reach animal control.

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