Michigan State Trooper Bitten While Trying to Save a Dog From the Cold

Michigan winter doesn’t just test people, it can be dangerous for animals too. That reality played out over the weekend when a Michigan State Police trooper was bitten while trying to help a dog left exposed to the cold.

Trooper Responds to Loose Dog Call in Holly Township

State police say the Detroit Regional Communication Center received a call about a loose dog on Halsey Road near Thompson Road in Holly Township around 9:35 yesterday morning. When the trooper arrived, he found a malnourished dog that appeared to be a stray. The animal had dug out a makeshift den in an open field, likely trying to escape the bitter temperatures.

READ MORE: How to Plan a Pet-Friendly Vacation in Michigan

As the trooper approached to help, police say the dog bit him on the hand, breaking the skin on his finger. WNEM reports that the dog was eventually contained, and Oakland County Animal Control took possession of it for quarantine. The dog did not have a collar, and there was no owner information. The trooper was treated at a hospital and later released.

Get our free mobile app

Police say the incident is a reminder of how quickly cold weather can become dangerous for pets, even those with fur. Michigan State Police First Lieutenant Mike Shaw says it’s important to keep pets inside as much as possible during extreme cold, noting that freezing temperatures can cause serious health problems for animals.

What Pet Owners Should Do During Freezing Weather

Animal welfare groups like Michigan Humane echo that warning. If it’s too cold for you to be outside, it’s too cold for your pet. Experts recommend bringing animals indoors when temperatures drop into the single digits. Other tips include protecting paws from salt and chemicals, keeping pets dry, avoiding close winter shaves, and slightly increasing calories as animals burn more energy staying warm.

READ MORE: Flint Woman Charged After Leaving Dog in a Freezing Car

Michigan law requires pets to have adequate shelter from the elements. If you believe an animal is at risk in cold weather you can contact the Michigan Humane Cruelty Hotline at 313-872-3401.