AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – With cold temperatures on the way, it can be dangerous for stray dogs and cats out on the streets.
The SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken wants to help as many animals as they can.
Right now, they have at least 99 cats and 100 dogs at their shelter. On Friday, they took in seven dogs due to returns and some being left out in the cold.
But that doesn’t stop them from trying to get animals a home or at least out of this cold weather.
“We see an incline or a jump in our intakes just because a lot of people don’t want to see the animals out in the cold all night,” said Jade Garrett, who works for the Albrecht Center.
With temperatures dropping to the teens, leaving a pet outside could be deadly.
“A lot of humans can experience like frostbite, or if you go outside and it’s really cold and then you come right inside and warm up, it could cause numbness and, you know, all the different medical things in your feet and stuff like that. Animals experience a lot of the same thing,” said Garrett.
They recommend calling a local shelter if you see an animal that needs help.
“We get a lot of calls about dogs out, you know, stray dogs that are usually the neighborhood dogs, but it’s too cold for them to be outside. Or even cats that are usually the neighborhood cats and it’s too cold for them to be outside,” said Garrett.
And there are laws about leaving animals outside in the cold.
“They have to have a certain width that they can go back and forth, not just be tethered to a pole or a stagnant object. They also can’t be outside, under, I believe like, around 30 or 40 degrees. And it’s getting to be that way these days,” said Garrett.
They have been overcrowded for at least a year, but that doesn’t stop them from helping as many animals as they can in this harsh winter weather.
“If you see kittens that are in a box or you see mama who’s taking care of her kittens, try to get them some help, and even puppies bring them in. For strays we’re always available,” said Garrett.
The SPCA Aiken Albrecht Center is always looking for people to foster, adopt, or volunteer.
They also have many events coming up, if you would like to show support in other ways.
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