How Cold is Too Cold for Pets to Be Outside in Louisiana?

Several of Us Are Trying to Prepare for the Temperature Drop That is Coming to the Ark-La-Tex.

Several of us are also worried about pets that are chained up outside in the Ark-La-Tex.

Unfortunately, during cold snaps like the ones we will face in January and February, the Louisiana SPCA can't keep up with the flooding phone calls. I mean, who wouldn't be infuriated seeing animals being left out in the cold?

The Louisiana SPCA says it's illegal to leave pets outside when the National Weather Service issues a freeze advisory.

When Weather Dips Into the Single Digits, Animal Control Officers Will Have to Treat All Calls as Emergency Calls.

Your pets can not handle the outside temperatures. If you don't bring your pet in your animal can be seized and you can be charged with a felony offense of animal cruelty. If you see an animal outside that has no shelter or is chained up, its owners will be charged with animal cruelty if they don't bring their pet inside.

Don't assume someone else has reported the cruelty, make the call, and report the cruelty your report is completely confidential. No success with getting someone on the phone? Leave a detailed message with information like the pet's address and where it's located on the property. The more details the better.

Wondering What Louisiana Law Says About Animal Cruelty? Check This Out:

"Sec. 54-376. - Cruelty to animals."

"(a) It is unlawful for any person to commit the crime of cruelty to animals."

"(b) Cruelty to animals is the intentional or criminally negligent mistreatment of any animal by any act, or omission whereby unjustifiable physical pain, suffering or death is caused to or permitted upon such animal."

Please remember that feral cats in your neighborhood will seek warmth in your car. Your car engine emits warmth so please before you start your car up blow your horn or hit on top of your hood to give those feral cats a chance to exit the engine block before you drive away.