The frigid temperature is keeping Kansas City’s Animal Control officers busy with calls to check on cold pets.
Every day is different for Officer Damon Goldston. Lately, the calls to check on the welfare of animals left outside by their owners have taken priority.
“There have been situations where you see a dog in the corner curled in a ball shivering, and then you do what you need to do to remove the animal from the situation,” Goldston said.
He’s always surprised at how many owners leave their pets outside when the temperature is below freezing.
The biggest concerns: animals who don’t have shelter or water.
Goldston often comes across frozen water bowls.
“Just make sure if your animal is going to be outside, hopefully it’s not, but if it is, make sure it has everything it needs. Fresh water that’s not frozen, a dog house, and straw. Straw goes a long way,” he said.
Since the start of December, the KC Pet Project has taken in 224 dogs and 117 cats.
Forty-four of those animals were brought in under the “Cruelty” category.
During last week’s cold stint the shelter saw about 20 dogs a day.
“How would you like to sit outside in just a T-shirt for a few hours?” Goldston asked. “You wouldn't like it.”
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Lexi Sutter can be reached at lexi.sutter@kshb.com.
