Deep Freeze Alert: Protect Your Pets During This Week's Arctic Blast

BEVERLY, MA — With record cold temperatures and wind chills expected late Friday into Saturday, Beverly Animal Control is reminding residents that it is not only inhumane to leave pets outside in the frigid conditions, but it is also against the law.

Massachusetts state law states that it is illegal to leave a dog outside if a local, state or federal authority issues a weather advisory, warning or watch that could "pose an adverse risk to the health or safety of the dog based on the dog's breed, age or physical condition unless the tethering is not for more than 15 minutes."

"Do not leave your pets outside," Beverly Animal Control warned. "Violators of this law will be issued citations."

Beverly Animal Control said that with wind chills forecast for -32 degrees with blustery conditions Friday afternoon and through Saturday, frostbite in pets can occur within 10 minutes.

Residents are also advised to bring in outdoor cats, accompany dogs at all times during bathroom trips outdoors, keep a collar and ID tag affixed to pets so they can be immediately identified if they get loose, check for down fences and gates before letting pets out that could result on them being loose for longer durations, and ensure any animal that outside has a proper shelter to escape the elements while not inside the house.

Residents are also urged to take steps to protect animal paws in short stints when they are out as well as check on elderly neighbors and relatives that may have trouble caring for their pets in these conditions.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)