Animal Control Issues Extreme Weather Advisory

SEAVILLE – Lower Township officials and Shore Animal Control are advising residents to bring pets indoors during these extreme temperatures. This week and for 10 days the weather forecast is below freezing conditions, posing extreme danger for outdoor pets. Shore Animal Control Services is making a plea to the public to report animals that might have been left out in the cold knowing these conditions could be fatal for some animals. Across the internet, photographs of dogs frozen to death created a wave of support for animal control officers and police officers out patrolling looking for animals in danger.
The animal control officers have received numerous complaints about animals outside during these extreme temperatures. The company owner, Dr. Nick Holland states, “It was very difficult for our officers to do foot patrol in these conditions, but we have a dedicated group of officers willing to sacrifice comfort during these extreme temperatures.  Our officers responded to dozens of calls the past few weeks and helped educate many residents about the new ordinances the company is enforcing. The winter is really just starting and we continue to need the public’s help during these cold winters. Older pets and short hair pets should have limited time outside such as 10 minutes during these extreme temperatures”
Regular patrols of the municipalities are currently a regular routine, but animal control continues to request help from the public for animals in backyards that cannot be visible from the streets. Residents in Lower Township, City of Wildwood, Borough of Woodbine, Upper Township, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and West Cape May can report violations of these township ordinances by calling Shore Animal Control at 1 800- 351-1822 and the officers will investigate. If no violations of local ordinances are found, the officers will try to educate residents about the dangers of leaving pets outside during these extreme temperatures. Other municipalities can contact the local police department to report animals left outside during these temperatures. The local police can contact the various animal control officers for the municipalities who will investigate.