WARREN (WWJ) -- With temperatures dipping below zero this week in Metro Detroit, pet owners are urged to bring their animals inside to keep them safe.
In Macomb County, a bruhaha erupted online about one dog in particular who was spotted outside in the cold, prompting outrage — and numerous calls to the Warren Police Department.
In the Scanner of Warren Facebook group, and on other community pages, multiple residents expressed concern about a German Shephard named Shelby, sharing photos of the dog lying in the snow at all hours of the night and day.
It was reported that the dog is "outside 24/7" all winter, as well as in the summer heat, without human interaction.
Warren police said they were made aware of the dog, and did investigate the case.
The department said Warren Police Officers and Animal Control Officers visited the home and "confirmed that the dog is safe and well cared for," with "all the infrastructure it needs to stay warm and healthy."
Police thanked the neighbors for their concern, adding, "We encourage residents to reach out with similar concerns."
After inquires and online comments about the the dog continued to pour in, police got permission from the dog's owner to share some more information.
A post on the Warren Police Department's Facebook page reads:
"Shelby, the dog in question, is a true outdoors enthusiast. She’s so dedicated to her outdoor adventures that she’s been known to give the door a little nibble—her way of saying, 'Let me out, please!'
"Shelby is well taken care of with a cozy brick doghouse heated to a toasty 75 degrees, complete with on-demand access to food and water. Rest assured, Shelby is safe, happy, and living her best life. If she were ever in danger, our Warren Police and Animal Control Officers would step in immediately.
"Thank you again to our caring community for looking out for our furry friends— we’re lucky to have such a compassionate group of neighbors!"
Speaking live on WWJ Newsradio 950 on Wednesday, Myron Golden, Manager of Community Engagement at Michigan Humane, reminded the public that pets need proper shelter if they're left outside, regardless of the weather.
But in a cold snap like this one, Golden said leaving a pet outside could quickly turn deadly.
"If you don't have proper shelter and proper insulation, you know, we unfortunately do get animals freezing," Golden said. "So it definitely is a huge concern."
Golden urged the public to call for help if a neighbor appears to be keeping a pet outside without proper shelter.
Michigan Humane investigates cruelty complaints in of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. To report suspected animal cruelty in these cities, call our Cruelty Hotline at 313-872-3401 daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or leave a detailed message any time.
In other cities, you can contact your local animal control/police department which has the authority to enforce state animal cruelty laws, and any local ordinances.