As a Detroit high school student, I have done research upon how many dogs are left outside in residents’ backyards. It is disheartening to discover that a significant percentage of dogs are left outdoors, exposed to the harsh elements even during the most crucial weather conditions. According to a report by detroitmi.gov, between 10 to 20 percent of dogs are left outside during the winter months.
But it’s more than just the number; it is the suffering of innocent animals.
Dogs, like humans, are vulnerable to extreme temperatures, and leaving them outside without proper shelter or care is not only neglectful but also cruel. As residents of this city, we cannot ignore this issue any longer.
Primarily, it is essential to understand the meaning of leaving dogs outside in severe weather. During winter, temperatures can plummet, posing serious risks to a dog’s health. Frostbite, hypothermia and even death are all potential consequences of long exposure to cold temperatures.
Just like in the scorching heat of summer, dogs are at risk of dehydration, heat stroke, and burns from hot surfaces.
I interviewed some fellow pet owners at my school to hear their side of things
“It’s truly upsetting and cruel to see that people only have dogs just to put them outside all year long like they are some decoration,” Arrielle Marshall said.
“I think we should do something about it or maybe even enlighten them on the risks of leaving their dogs outside all the time,” Keon Maddox said.
