Sub-zero air temps coupled with wind chills that could reach 30 degrees below zero are prompting not only warnings for us, but for our four-legged friends as well. 

This time of year is when we hear of terrible stories of animal cruelty.  Animals left to die in crates in freezing weather and some found frozen to the ground and unable to move.

That type of cruelty has prompted those at the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division to put out this warning.  Division Commander Capt.Chris Kelenske says people should be on the lookout for animals in distress which are being neglected or may have been abandoned.  He says emergency resources are available to them too by contacting your local animal shelter.

A reminder as well, that even those with a fur coat can freeze when the temps hit well below zero, so allowing an animal inside for a time, or giving them blankets and shelter--like a garage or sturdy dog house--can also mean the difference between life and death.   And always make sure animals have plenty of water that is replentished frequently.  In weather like this, it takes only a matter of minutes, for water bowls to freeze over.

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