Reminder from Montgomery County Animal Shelter About Animal Safety During Cold Weather
If you have an outdoor animal, please bring them inside - if you need a crate, the shelter has some you can use! Contact staff at shelter.counter@mctx.org
If you see an animal in danger please contact Animal Control. If it is after hours please contact the Montgomery County Sheriff Office.
Animal Control: 936-442-7738 (Option 2)
Montgomery County Sheriff: 936-760-5871
Animal Cruelty Task Force under the Montgomery County Precinct 2 Constable: 936-539-7854
KEEP ALL ANIMALS INDOORS
In Texas, there are laws that make it illegal to leave a pet outside in extreme weather without adequate shelter, food, and water. Some cities also have specific ordinances to protect pets in extreme weather conditions.
UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF A DOG
Texas Health & Safety Code 821.101
A pet owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint unless:
-Owner provides the dog access to adequate shelter
-A sturdy structure that must provide the dog protection from inclement weather (including snow, high winds, and extreme low temp).
CRUELTY TO NON-LIVESTOCK ANIMALS
Texas Penal Code 42.092
A person commits cruelty to a non-livestock animal if he or she fails to:
-Provide necessary food, water, care or shelter
-Abandon an animal in their custody
-Confine or transport an animal in a cruel manner
-Injures someone else's animal
-Overworks an animal
THINK AND THUMP
A warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor animals. Check underneath your car, thump your hood and ensure no furry feline is underneath.
