DEDHAM, Mass. — Officials are reminding residents against confining their canines inside their cars during frigid weather.
Dedham Animal Control says they received a few calls of dogs being left in vehicles while the owners are either shopping or dining.
On Monday night, two dogs were left inside a car with the engine off, while the outside temperature was a mere 18 degrees, according to authorities. Enough time had passed where a good Samaritan noticed the dogs and called police.
It is unclear if the dogs owner faced any charges.
In another such instance last week, a dog was left inside a car while the owners sat inside a bar from at least 5:30 p.m. until a little after 8 p.m. when it was 24 degrees outside, according to animal control.
The restaurant manager allegedly told the dog’s owners that even though the vehicle was started a few times, restaurant staff felt uncomfortable monitoring the dog for them all evening.
“Please be reminded that pursuant to M.G.L. C 140 S 174f, ‘a person shall not confine an animal in a motor vehicle in a manner that could reasonably be expected to threaten the health of the animal due to exposure to extreme heat or cold,’” Dedham Animal Control wrote in a social media post. “Our mission is to protect animals and uphold the laws. Please leave pets at home when you go out, especially during this cold snap. And if you’re out and ‘you see something, say something’.”
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