Several dogs across Northeast Ohio were rescued by authorities after their owners refused to take the freezing animals in from the cold.
In Portage County, three dogs were removed from their yard due to freezing temperatures and a lack of shelter, according to the Portage Animal Protective League.
The owner was asked by the shelter's humane officer to take the animals inside and out of the cold. After waiting around an hour for the dog owner to take the animals inside or give them shelter outside, the humane officer removed them from the property.
Temperatures at the time were around 2 degrees with the wind chill.
According to authorities, the three dogs were very hungry and had never lived indoors. They spent their first night inside with warm blankets, water and food.
In Cuyahoga County, the Cleveland Animal Protective League received 18 calls for animals left out in the cold just from Monday to Wednesday.
One dog was rescued from the cold and the other 17 pet owners were educated about pet responsibility, authorities said.
In Cuyahoga County, you can report cases of animal cruelty or neglect here.
In Portage County, animal cruelty or neglect cases can be reported here.
