‘If you’re cold, they’re cold’

Winter weather, snow and high winds can be hazardous for animals left outside and can result in hypothermia, injury or death.

As New Mexico’s temperatures drop, many callers to APNM’s Animal Cruelty Helpline express their concern for animals left outside. Although many responsible people understand the dangers of extreme temperatures and keep their animals inside, most counties and municipalities don’t require that animals be kept indoors.

However, most do require a comfortable and weather-proof shelter be provided. Ordinance requirements vary between jurisdictions, so we encourage people to contact APNM or their local animal services if they see an animal who could be in jeopardy.

Unlike wildlife, most domestic animals are not well-equipped for frigid temperatures. If you’re cold, so is your companion animal.

“Cold can be dangerous to our animal companions,” advises Alan Edmonds, Animal Protection New Mexico’s Cruelty Response and Advocacy Director. “Areas of exposed skin such as paw pads and noses can become permanently damaged, and cold temperatures combined with wind chill put animals at risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and even freezing to death.

“Companion animals can suffer in temperatures uncomfortable to people, and young, senior, and short-haired animals are particularly vulnerable. In extreme conditions, even insulated dog houses can be ineffective.”

How can you help? Report it.

If you encounter an animal suffering out in the cold, you can alert the authorities. Please don’t assume someone else will do so — you might be saving that animal’s life. Please call your local animal welfare department or Animal Protection New Mexico’s Animal Cruelty Helpline at 877-548-6263 (877-5-HUMANE).

You can also send us a message using APNM’s general contact form.

Local animal control agencies:

Valencia County Animal Services

• 505-866-2479

City of Belen

• 505-966-2682
• 505-205-8493

Village of Bosque Farms

• 505-869-2358

Village of Los Lunas

• 505-839-3842

Town of Peralta

• 505-869-2050

City of Rio Communities

• 505-861-6803

Valencia County Dispatch/After-Hours Emergencies

• 505-865-9130