HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Christian County Animal shelter and local authorities urge residents to keep their animals inside as Hopkinsville and surrounding areas face more frigid temperatures ahead.
“Indoors is definitely the best place for them to be,” said CCAS Director Melissa Goff. “If for some reason they cannot be indoors, the animals will need a well insulated cat or dog house and good bedding like straw.”
CCAS also recommends buying an outdoor heated pet house, pad or heater that can used. “There are even heated water buckets that would keep the water from freezing over,” Goff said.
Animal Control Officer Watkins from HPD shares that shelter, water, food, frostbite and hypothermia are all things to consider in the cold.
“Please keep an eye on their ears, paws, noses, and tails,” Watkins shared in a news release on Facebook. “The skin will look pale or blue at first and then turn red and look inflamed. It may also appear shriveled or brittle and stay cold and hard to the touch.” Hypothermia or frostbite could lead to loss of limbs in severe cases.
According to Watkins, it is recommended to increase your pet’s food intake during cold months if they spend the majority of their life outdoors. “Lower temperatures increase the demand for energy to maintain a proper internal temperature,” said Watkins.
If you see an animal outdoors without proper shelter or water, please give Animal Control a call at 270- 890- 1300. Animal Control also reminds community members that if you are found with an animal who doesn’t have proper shelter or water, you may be charged with second-degree animal cruelty or charged with torture of a dog or cat if the animal has suffered severe injury or death.