WILLIAMSPORT -- Despite frigid temperatures, Humane Society officers say some pet owners are leaving their animals outside without food, water, or shelter. Newswatch 16 rode along with the Lycoming County SPCA as workers checked on animals in Williamsport.
Humane Society Officer Lawrence Woltz loaded up his SUV at the Lycoming County SPCA in Williamsport.
“Get this straw in there for the dogs, right,” said Larry Woltz.
Newswatch 16 tagged along with Woltz as he made house calls checking up on animals that may be out in the cold with no shelter, food, or water.
“The dog is drinking snow. It has an inadequate dog house,” said Larry Woltz.
Woltz found a miniature pinscher chained outside a home on Penn Street with no food or water.
“Here’s the owner. I’m going to talk to you,” said Woltz.
The dog was shaking in the frigid temperatures
“This dog cannot be outside in this weather,” said Woltz to the dog's owner.
Woltz says he couldn`t leave the dog.
“He`s cold, he`s cold, he is still cold,” said Woltz.
With police assistance, “I`m just going to take the dog and we`ll deal with the owner later,” said Woltz.
With temperatures in the single digits this week the SPCA recommends that all pet owners keep their dogs and cats inside. As it becomes warmer, you can keep them out as long as their crates are properly insulated.
“They help us maintain his dog house keep it insulated to keep him warm, so he can be outside time to time in the cold weather,” said Theresa Williams from Williamsport.
The SPCA stopped by Theresa Williams’ home to check on Shadow. Williams says at first she needed help caring for her canine.
“We didn`t know how to keep it insulated. The neighbors helped us. They helped us build the dog house,” said Williams.
The SPCA says if you need help caring for your animals during the colder months you should contact your local animal shelter.
