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Community Access

Community Access

 

Pet Safety During Arctic Temperatures

ALERT: An artic blast is headed our way starting Friday! Pet owners are reminded that the newly enacted Public Act 22-59 Tethering and Adequate Shelter law states: when either a weather advisory or warning is issued by the National Weather Service, or outdoor environmental conditions, including, but not limited to, extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, snow or hail, pose an adverse risk to the health or safety of a dog based on such dog’s breed, size, age, thickness of coat or physical condition, no person shall (1) tether such dog outdoors to a stationary object or mobile device, including, but not limited to, a trolley or pulley, unless such tethering is for a duration of not more than fifteen minutes, or (2) fail to provide such dog adequate shelter for a duration of more than fifteen minutes, unless such person is in the presence of such dog and outdoors during such advisory or warning or exposed to such outdoor environmental conditions.

Dangerously cold weather with wind chills as low as -30 from Thursday evening into Saturday. Are you prepared to protect your livestock?

Here are some tips, share yours in the comments!

Provide shelter with protection from wind and precipitation. That can be a barn, shed, or natural covering like a stand of trees or high earthen bank.

Check water sources frequently to ensure the water isn’t frozen. If necessary, break ice to provide access to fresh and clean water.

Nutritional needs often increase significantly during extremely cold weather and grass is limited this time of year. Always provide quality forage. Livestock are best able to regulate body temperature when provided with quality hay and in some cases, grain.

Horses do not necessarily need blankets to stay warm, but it depends on the individuals needs. Movement is important to keep the digestive system functioning - turnout with a blanket if needed, or hand walk.

Even in cold weather, livestock will often prefer to remain outdoors. However, owners should monitor for signs of cold sensitivity, like shivering or huddling together for warmth.


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