The heart-breaking discovery of a dog, who was frozen to death on a sidewalk in New Jersey, prompted an animal control agency in Seaville to issue a request to residents to speak up if they see a pet who has been left outdoors in frigid conditions. On January 4, the Shore Animal Control posted the sad photo along with a plea for help, "We are posting this sad photo so that people will SPEAK UP when they see dogs outside in this weather and CALL so this doesn't happen again."
The dog who perished in the cold weather is believed to have broken free from a chain in someone's yard. The animal control agency explained, "This dog was found on the street by police frozen. No ID, no tag and no one in the neighborhood would speak. Probably broke off a chain because it was freezing cold and could not find shelter, weak from hunger, so he died alone, hungry and cold."
The agency expressed disbelief that pets are still being left outside, even when the temperature has plummeted, "I am absolutely outraged that domestic pets are still being left outside in these extreme temps."
If it is too cold outside for a person, it is too cold for a pet - having fur is not sufficient protection from the elements. The animal control agency implored its Facebook followers to report pets that have been left outdoors in order to prevent more deaths, "We have had many dogs die each year when these extreme weather conditions hit. PLEASE do not let this happen in your town. Do not let what happened to this poor dog attached happen if you have the chance to report it and prevent it."
If you see something - say something. Call the authorities and/or animal control if you are concerned about the welfare of a pet.