Protesters in Livonia have been protesting outside a man's residence because he chooses to leave his three beagles outside year-round even with the bitter cold temps that we've been seeing lately.

While I don't agree with leaving your pets outside in the freezing cold, there's nothing that can be done because unfortunately, it's not illegal in the state of Michigan.

Livonia Animal Control:

All pet owners should be mindful of the recent bitterly cold temperatures. While most people would not treat their animal in this way, there is no law in Michigan that requires pet owners to bring their dogs inside at a certain temperature.

Animal control says the beagles have shelter and straw insulation. They also say the owner has been compliant with officers. I still don't agree with it but at least they have some necessities and the homeowner is working with authorities.

 

Because of the protest, animal control put out a statement:

All pet owners should be mindful of the recent bitterly cold temperatures. While most people would not treat their animal in this way, there is no law in Michigan that requires pet owners to bring their dogs inside at a certain temperature.

Livonia’s Animal Control Officers have checked on these pets many times over the years, including once last week, yesterday and today. The dogs have not been found to be in distress at any time. The shelter provided, along with the straw insulation, by state law must be adequate to maintain the dog in a state of good health. Two of the dogs actually score over “ideal” on a body condition score, labeling them as obese. The owner has been compliant with our officers. The dogs were warm to the touch upon exiting their dog houses. The shelters were free of feces and maintained in good sanitary condition.

While these may not be the conditions that many people would keep their own dogs, the homeowner is in compliance with state law. Unless or until there are changes in state law, we are not authorized to take action in this case.

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