Klarides-Ditria reminds pet owners to protect them from freezing temps

You don’t want to be stuck outside in these cold temperatures, and neither do your animals. This weekend, temps are expected to dip into the single digits, and wind chills will make it feel even colder. Some animals, like our state's beloved Husky, enjoy being outside in the cold and snow, but even they have their limits. Leaving animals exposed to extreme weather is cruel, can be deadly for them, and could be against the law. If you suspect abuse locally, please contact: Derby Animal Control, Woodbridge Regional Animal Control, or Beacon Falls Animal Control, or your local police department. The ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States offer good information and tips to keep animals safe and healthy. To make sure your pets are properly protected and cared for, the Humane Society offers the following five tips to protect pets in winter, and guidelines on what to do if you suspect animals are being mistreated. Keep pets sheltered Bundle up, wipe down Remove common poisons Protect outdoor animals Speak out If you suspect an animal is being abused, including being left outside in extreme heat or cold, please: Report what you see: Take note of the date, time, exact location and the type of animal(s) involved and write down as many details as possible about the situation. Video and photographic documentation of the animal, the location, the surrounding area, etc. (even a cell phone photo) will help bolster your case. Contact your local animal control agency or county sheriff's office: and present your complaint and evidence. Take detailed notes regarding whom you speak with and when. Respectfully follow up in a few days if the situation has not been remedied. If you need advice, contact us. Because we aren't a law enforcement agency, we cannot take legal action, but we can provide expert counsel. If you have pets, follow our advice for keeping them safe in cold weather. Sincerely,