INDIANAPOLIS — On Monday, crews with Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside (FIDO,) worked to make sure dogs aren't left out in the cold.
While out they saw several violations, including several dogs outside while it’s under 20 degrees, dogs on chains shorter than 12 feet long, and dog houses with no door cover and no straw.
Darcie Kurtz is the founder of FIDO. She said when the temperature dip below 20 degrees, it's illegal for dogs to be outside for long periods of time.
When they see dog owners violating Indiana law, they try to correct it by giving them the supplies they need, like an indoor crate, a new dog house with straw, and food. The last thing they want to do is take a dog away from its family.
"We do want to help keep dogs in the home," Kurtz said. "We don't want them to be impounded and go to the shelter. The shelter is always crowded, but we want to help improve their lives."
Kurtz said most of the time owners are willing to listen and take the help.
"I would say about 80 percent of the time people are at least willing to listen to us," Kurtz said. "We do have some people who say 'my dog is fine I know how to take care of my dog,' and that's when we do bring in animal care services.” said Kurtz
Within the next week FIDO will go out and check on these dogs again.
All of the supplies FIDO gives out are things that have been donated by the community.
There are several opportunities to get involved with FIDO or donate, click here to find out more.
If you see an animal outside for more than an hour in dangerous conditions, you should call animal control services in your area. In Marion County you can call 317-327-1397.
