The frigid temperatures anticipated this Friday night pose ‌a serious risk to pets left‌ outdoors for extended periods.

Since the beginning⁢ of January, at least five dogs have been abandoned outside ‌and were found deceased.

In Manchester, two pit bulls were discovered huddled together⁢ on January 8.An emaciated dog was spotted on a⁤ walking trail in ⁢Milford on January 9. A⁢ lifeless dog was⁤ seen floating on the‌ ice in the Willimantic⁤ River on January 10. Another dog was found inside a ​plastic bag⁣ at Silver Sands ​Beach in Milford ‍on January 11.

Although many shelters and rescue organizations, such as Military’s Legacy Animal Rescue and Sanctuary in Westbrook, are currently at full capacity, advocates are concerned that individuals with no options may resort to leaving their ‍pets outside alone.

they are urging pet owners to ⁢keep their animals ⁢indoors rather than abandoning ⁢them during these freezing conditions.

“Animals will ‍suffer ⁤from hypothermia,” stated‍ Amanda Armstrong, founder of Military’s Legacy Animal ⁢Rescue.⁢ “When there is an extreme⁢ cold ​weather alert, ‌we must ⁤bring them⁤ inside. They cannot survive‍ these ⁣temperatures.”

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“People need to reach⁤ out for help,” she continued.“Contact⁣ family members, friends, rescues‍ or shelters. ‍There ⁢has to be someone who can ⁢take them in.”

Rebekah DeMatteo, vice president of Military’s Legacy Animal⁤ Rescue, also offered⁣ advice:

“If you can’t keep your dog‌ inside your main living area, designate a safe room for them,” she ‌suggested.“Put them in a crate if necessary;⁤ just ensure they’re not left outside. Make sure‌ they have food and water.”

The institution ​is working ‍on⁢ creating an updated‌ statewide directory of resources including ⁢rescues and shelters‌ aimed at assisting‌ families⁣ struggling with ‍pet care during harsh weather conditions.

A variety of circumstances⁣ can lead someone to be unable to care for their⁣ pet properly; thus Military’s Legacy ‌has ⁣established the‍ Animal Welfare Task force dedicated to finding solutions. This task force comprises advocates from various fields including animal control officers and veterinarians.

“We’ve been discussing ways to provide​ more resources while educating the public starting with‌ schools ⁣and ⁢youth,” Armstrong⁤ noted. “Microchipping pets can help hold owners accountable so that when we ⁤find deceased animals ⁣we might ‍trace ⁤it back.”

Abandoning an animal is considered illegal under Connecticut law and could result‍ in imprisonment ‍or ⁢fines.

Caring for a ‌pet requires notable⁣ commitment; however ‌advocates emphasize that ⁣their well-being ​ultimately rests with us​ as caretakers.

“If it’s‍ too cold for you outside, it’s definitely too cold for them,” Armstrong concluded.