Special Provincial Const. Carla Edge, Animal Protection Officer for BC SPCA Cruelty Investigations Department-Cariboo Region, would like to remind dog owners to make sure their dogs are safe outside in winter.
The primary focus for the Special Provincial Constable is animal welfare and whether an animal is being properly cared for based on the Codes of Practice set out by each individual industry, she explains, such as the Canadian kennel code, equine code and beef code.
Edge says pet owners are responsible for both the actions and welfare of their animals, including protecting them from possible harm – including traffic and cold weather, among other dangers.
Whenever she does attend a property after receiving a complaint – if that complaint is founded – her main focus is education to help improve the welfare of the animal, she explains.
"In the case of a dog running at large, while the [Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act] doesn't specifically address 'dogs running loose', a dog running at large on a roadway puts that dog at risk of injury from being hit by a vehicle, which of course may lead to serious injury or death of that dog."
The Canadian Kennel Code includes the guidelines for all pet owners – it's not the SPCA making the rules but rather the industry itself, she adds.
"In addressing a dog being consistently at large and creating problems within a community, we recommend proper fencing to contain the dog or alternatively tying up the dog with access to a run such as using a clothes line."
However, the SPCA in no way agrees with a dog being tied 24/7 on a short chain or being exposed to frigid temperatures, and does all it can to educate people that canines do not belong on a chain, she adds.
Edge says the ideal situation in these cases is a large fenced yard with good shelter and access to clean water – but a fenced yard is not always a possibility, so that's where these other SPCA recommendations arise.
"I would like to remind all pet owners that with winter here, cats and most dogs do not do well being outside constantly.
"Access to shelter suitable to the dog's size with proper bedding – straw is best over regular bedding– clean water and suitable food are requirements under the law and will make the lives of the dogs much better."
Bedding should be changed regularly and all dog waste should be picked up on a daily basis, she adds.