Henry County

Local animal control officers could fine owners for leaving pets in cold

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — One local county is taking steps to make sure pets aren’t left out in the cold.

Channel 2's Craig Lucie went to Henry County where animal control officers are out patrolling and looking for animals who do not have proper shelter.

Animal rescue groups say pets left outside can freeze, become disoriented, lost, stolen, injured or even killed.

“It’s very sad. It’s a situation that all of our officers have a hard time dealing with,” animal control Officer Kelley James said.

Channel 2 Action News was there when James got out to speak to owners when she spotted dogs out in the cold temperatures.

She said she’s seen some bad cases.

“Dogs have frozen water. There’s been a few cases where dogs can’t get to their dog house, so they’re laying out in the snow or it’s raining or it’s sleeting and they’re outside and they’re freezing,” James said.

Animal control officers said pet owners can face fines from $200 up to $1,000 and 60 days in jail if animals are left outside.

“If we find animals outside, we will prosecute. There is no warning in this,” rabies control Officer Vince Farah said.