Investigators for the Michigan Humane Society say calls regarding neglected animals spike during a heat wave. Action News rode along with veteran investigators Mark Ramos and Dave McLeod this week as they followed up on a few of the many complaints that were made to the organization.
It’s a dangerous time for pets who are left to out in the extreme heat. “In this kind of weather, if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your animals,” Ramos said. “We always suggest that the best place for them is inside but if you’re not able to do that, make sure they’re in a shaded area and they’ve got plenty of cool water.”
Ramos has worked 18 years as an investigator, the last 14 with the Michigan Humane Society. A big part of the work they do is to educate pet owners on how to best care for their animals in extreme heat southeast Michigan is experiencing this week. When pets are discovered in dangerous situations they are immediately removed.
That was the case with a 5-month-old German shepherd which was discovered chained to a fence in Northwest Detroit. The male puppy had been kept behind an empty house for a month. Neighbors were apparently feeding the dog but it had no shelter from the elements. In addition, the puppy had bite injuries to its ears from flies that it could not keep away. It was determined to be otherwise healthy though slightly underweight.
Ramos and McLeod left notification of their visit at home, in the event the dog’s owner eventually returns. The puppy was treated by a veterinarian and will be kept at the shelter for the immediate future.