Dog Left Outside In Bitter Cold By Merrifield Home

MERRIFIELD, VA—Police are reminding residents to keep their pets inside after a woman discovered a dog left outside in the bitter cold New Year's Day.

The resident of Pebble Hill Lane in Merrifield found the shivering dog on the sidewalk and took her to the vet for treatment. The poodle has since been taken to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter as police try to locate the owner.

The dog is a tan poodle around seven pounds and at least 10 years old. She was taken to the vet and treated, and has since been released into the care of the shelter. Anyone with information should call the shelter at 703-830-1100 or animalshelter@fairfaxcounty.gov.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, dogs and cats can be prone to hypothermia and frostbite just like humans, so their time outside should be limited. Under Virginia law, owners not providing adequate shelter for pets against rain, sleet, snow, hail, direct sunlight, and extreme heat or cold is a misdemeanor.

Image via Fairfax County Police