IACS: During extreme winter conditions, residents should bring their pets indoors

Indianapolis, Indiana – As the region continues to experience harsh winter conditions, officials with the Indianapolis Animal Care Services are encouraging citizens to bring their pets indoors.

A news release from IACS states that animals are at risk of exposure, disease, and starvation due to cold and ice weather, such as the intense snowfall and extremely low temperatures that are presently affecting Indianapolis.

According to the announcement, leaving animals outside when the weather is at or below 20 degrees or when a wind chill warning has been issued is prohibited by City-County Ordinance (Sec. 531-401).

According to the press release, “pet owners who neglect their animals during the winter months may be subject to fines or criminal charges.”

People can visit the city’s website, utilize the Request Indy mobile application, or call the Mayor’s Action Center at (317) 327-4622 if they have concerns about an animal’s safety.

Although the shelter only has 203 kennels, as of Monday morning, it was holding 214 dogs. According to the press release, the public can assist alleviate the shelter’s overpopulation by doing the following:

• Foster an animal
• Adopt a pet
• Help reunite pets with their owners.