The Cleveland Division on Animal Care and Control, along with the Cleveland Animal Protective League reports 25 dogs had to be rescued from the cold in a 12-hour period.
According to APL President Sharon Harvey, the dogs were found tied-up outside in the frigid temperatures and in most cases their owners were nowhere to be found.
Harvey told News 5 the dogs were seized from their owners under Cleveland's tethering law, which states dogs are not to be left tied-up outside when the National Weather Service issues a cold advisory, or a severe weather warning.
Owners are not to leave their animals tied-up outside during in the hours between 10 PM and 6 AM.
Harvey said one home had 6 dogs tied-up outside as temperatures tumbled toward the single digits.
"In weather like this, when we get down into the teens or the single digits, we just need people to show some common sense," said Harvey.
"But if nobody is home, or an owner is unwilling to cooperate with an animal that is clearly suffering because of the cold, then we will seize those animals and bring them in."
Harvey said violating Cleveland's tethering law could earn an animal owner a first-degree misdemeanor, which carries a fine and the loss of their pet.
Abandonment is also a violation of city law.
The APL reported it found an abandoned kitten in front of its facility, the kitten named "Mena" will soon be put up for adoption.
APL Intake Director Arlee Reust told News 5 residents are encouraged to call and report animals that have been abandoned or have been left tied-up outside in the cold.
"We were not going to leave her out in the cold," said Reust. "We want anyone who has an animal in need, or if they see an animal in need, to call us and bring the animal in."
Reust said residents should call the APL Hotline at 216-377-1630
