Ahead of next week’s winter freeze in the Houston area, it’s a good practice to make sure your dogs are protected from the elements.
More importantly, it is now a state law in Texas.
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Because of the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, passed into law in 2021, it is illegal to leave dogs unattended outside in freezing temperatures.
“We are strongly advising all pet owners to keep pets inside during the upcoming winter weather that’s slated to hit the whole state,” said Shelby Bobosky, Executive Director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN). “The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act passed in 2021 requires dogs left outside to be safe from the elements. During Winter Storm Uri of 2021, our hotline was inundated with calls from concerned citizens about dogs left outside in the freezing weather - hundreds of which died.”
The act strikes the 24-hour waiting period for law enforcement so they can address situations where dogs are left outside in dangerous conditions immediately.
“Extreme weather, such as the freezing temperatures that are about to hit Texas, does not allow outdoor animals to become acclimated,” said Melissa Draper, a Texas shelter veterinarian. “Studies have shown that it takes 10 to 20 days for animals to acclimate to cold weather and up to 60 days for full acclimatization. The safest option for pets is to bring them inside.”
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The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, which went into effect January 2022, establishes basic standards of outdoor shelter and care for the safety of animals and their surrounding communities by
- Defining adequate shelter to protect dogs from extreme temperatures, inclement weather, and standing water. Previously, there was no definition for shelter, thus tethered dogs routinely perished from exposure.
- Requiring access to drinkable water. Before the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, state law did not include this vital requirement.
- Requiring safe restraints. The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act strikes the use of chains. Other means of restraint, such as cable tie-outs, may be used so long as they are correctly attached to a collar or harness designed to restrain a dog.
“If you see a dog left outside in below-freezing weather without adequate shelter, please call your local animal control. To report animal cruelty, please call 911,” said Jamey Cantrell, President of the Texas Animal Control Association.