IDOA: Keep animals safe this winter

Winter weather could create harsh conditions for outdoor animals

[December 11, 2008]  SPRINGFIELD -- Harsh winters are hard on animals, just like they are on humans. So, as winter approaches, the Illinois Department of Agriculture is reminding animal owners to make sure livestock and outdoor pets are properly cared for.

"The Humane Care for Animals Act mandates that owners provide sufficient food, water and shelter for their animals," said Dr. Mark Ernst, Illinois state veterinarian. "Water is particularly important to check when the weather turns cold because low temperatures can cause water bowls to freeze, leaving an animal nothing to drink."

Preventive medicine can lessen the risk of illness, according to Ernst. He advises livestock and pet owners to:

• Make sure their animals are properly vaccinated.

• Make sure their animals not only have an adequate supply of food and water, but also a clear path to the supply. Most importantly, remember that ice and snow are not a substitute for water.

• Make sure animals have adequate shelter. Their coats provide some insulation from the elements, but a shelter is needed to protect them from severe winds, rain and snow.

"The number of neglect cases rises with extreme temperatures," said Dr. Colleen O'Keefe, division manager of Food Safety and Animal Protection. "Animals are most vulnerable when weather conditions make it difficult or unpleasant for owners to get outdoors."

The Illinois Department of Agriculture investigates alleged Humane Care Act violations. The past two winters, its animal welfare inspectors have responded to nearly 600 complaints, including an increasing number of cases involving horses.

"That may be because of the economy," O'Keefe said. "Rising feed costs have made horses expensive to care for."

Suspected cases of animal abuse or neglect should be reported to either the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare, local law enforcement, or a local animal control agency. The Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare's phone number is 217-782-4944.

[Text from Illinois Department of Agriculture file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]