IDOA:
Keep animals safe this winter
Winter
weather could create harsh conditions for outdoor animals
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[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.
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"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]
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