A group of neighbors in Livonia are upset over three dogs being left outside in recent bitter cold temperatures... but officials say there's nothing they can do about it.
The group gathered outside the home yesterday to protest what they say is the mistreatment of three beagles.... prompting local animal control to issue a statement. "All pet owners should be mindful of the recent bitterly cold temperatures. While most people would not treat their animal in this way, there is no law in Michigan that requires pet owners to bring their dogs inside at a certain temperature," a statement from Livonia Animal Control read.
Officials say the dogs have well maintained shelter with straw insulation and are "warm to the touch" when they leave their dog houses. The owner has also been compliant with officers.
There is no law in Michigan that requires pet owners to bring their dogs inside at certain temperatures.
"While these may not be the conditions that many people would keep their own dogs, the homeowner is in compliance with state law. Unless or until there are changes in state law, we are not authorized to take action in this case."
Related
Just one week ago, WXYZ-TV reported on a situation where a senior dog named Buddy left chained in the cold in Detroit was found frozen to death. That owner told volunteers with CHAINED that the pooch was an "outside dog" who was there for security.