As freezing temperatures swept across Central Alabama this week, a late-night rescue effort in Tallapoosa County is drawing attention to the dangers pets face when left without proper shelter in extreme cold.
) - As freezing temperatures swept across Central Alabama this week, a late-night rescue effort in Tallapoosa County is drawing attention to the dangers pets face when left without proper shelter in extreme cold.
What began as a call about a dog with a plastic container stuck on his head quickly turned into something more urgent. Volunteers with New Hope Rescue entered an abandoned home in the Dayville area and discovered a mother dog along with her six newborn puppies left inside with no heat, no bedding and no protection from the cold. Rescue leaders say overnight temperatures were expected to drop below freezing, conditions that can be deadly for animals, especially newborn puppies. “Newborn puppies cannot regulate their body temperatures,” said Jenny Rogers, director of New Hope Rescue. “We knew that if we didn’t go get those babies, they were going to die.” Volunteers were able to safely remove the mother and her puppies after receiving permission from the property owner. Rogers says the mother dog was severely underweight and dehydrated, but is now warm, stable, and nursing her puppies. “She’s doing fantastic today,” Rogers said. “She’s warm and taking care of her babies like she should.”The rescue also highlights a broader issue animal advocates say continues to worsen in Tallapoosa County; the lack of animal control and sheltering resources. According to Rogers, there is no animal control officer or humane society in the Dayville area, leaving abandoned animals with few options for help. “There is no animal control to call. There is no humane society to call,” she said. “These animals are often left to fend for themselves.” Rogers says rescues and community members frequently step in to help animals that have been dumped or left behind, especially during extreme weather.Animal advocates warn that dogs left outdoors without adequate shelter can freeze in as little as 30 minutes during severe cold. “If pets must stay outside, they need proper shelter,” Rogers said. “Straw or hay helps trap heat, and something to block the wind is critical. Cold weather is extremely dangerous for pets.” Rescuers urge pet owners to bring animals indoors whenever possible during freezing temperatures, and to ensure outdoor pets have food, unfrozen water, and insulated shelter.To address the growing number of abandoned animals, New Hope Rescue has partnered with a local veterinarian to launch SNP for Hope, a spay and neuter program specifically for Tallapoosa County residents. Through the program, the rescue covers 100% of the cost for spaying and neutering pets using community-funded donations. The goal is to reduce unwanted litters and prevent animals from being abandoned. “There are too many puppies being born and not enough resources,” Rogers said. “Spaying and neutering saves lives.”New Hope Rescue says the mother dog and her puppies are not yet available for adoption, as the puppies are still nursing and the mother continues to recover. Once they are healthy, adoption information will be posted online. Residents who want to help can donate, apply for the spay and neuter program, or learn more by visiting nhrescue.com or following New Hope Rescue on Facebook. Animal advocates say community involvement is key — especially during extreme weather — and stepping in when an animal is in distress can make the difference between life and death.
WFSA WSFA 12 News 12 News Weather First Alert Weather First Alert Weather Day Tallapoosa County Dog Dog Rescue Freezing Temperatures Animal Shelters Animal Rescues Homeless Dogs Central Alabama New Hope Rescue
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