Why can’t they just take the dog?

As subzero temps hit much of the u.s., outreach orgs are working overtime to provide lifesaving supplies to keep outdoor dogs warm - or, better yet, help people bring their dogs inside. You may be wondering, why don’t they just take the dog? here’s a few reasons.

Source: Alexander Nadrilyanski via Pexels

There’s nowhere for dogs to go

Most shelters and rescues are bursting at the seams on a ‘good’ day, let alone in extreme weather, when intake tends to increase. 

Many private orgs have closed intake or are being selective about the dogs that they accept — a responsible decision, but one that puts an additional burden on open-intake municipal shelters. These shelters, who do not have the luxury of saying no to incoming dogs like private organizations do, may already be euthanizing dogs for space; accepting more dogs means that more dogs will lose their lives.

Outdoor doesn’t mean unloved

A dog may live outdoors for a variety of reasons, like house training struggles, destructive behavior, a family member’s allergies, not getting along with other pets, or their human’s history with how dogs are supposed to be raised. 

More often than not, the dog’s situation isn’t due to a lack of care or love for the dog, but a lack of resources. Many people genuinely don’t know that their current outdoor setup is not sufficient or do not have a way to safely bring the dog indoors. Outreach can bridge the gap for people who genuinely want to do right by their dogs.

The humans are often suffering, too

Outdoor dogs are more common in marginalized communities, especially densely populated urban neighborhoods and rural areas. Their humans often lack the resources to care for themselves and their families, struggling to put food on the table, even living without heat and other basic utilities. In extreme cold, this might mean that the humans are struggling to stay alive themselves. 

Extending empathy for the humans involved allows us to much more effectively provide resources that improve life for their dogs (and the humans, too).

Legally, dogs are property

Taking someone’s dog out of their yard without permission is theft. Individuals and organizations who steal dogs are putting themselves at risk of legal prosecution, even in brutally cold weather or in areas with anti-tethering laws. In some cases, being prosecuted for a crime means that an organization can no longer operate to help more dogs. 

Additionally, trespassing on someone’s property puts the trespasser at risk of physical harm — in some locations, people have a legal right to use deadly force to protect their property.

Long-term solutions are more sustainable

Changing the way that our communities treat dogs requires long-term initiatives. Taking someone’s dog away may feel like a solution in the moment, but it is not giving that person the resources to better care for their next dog — and most people are eventually going to get another dog. 

It also creates tension between the community and animal welfare efforts, which makes it much more difficult to build relationships that allow us to create community-wide change. Instead, removing a dog is more likely to perpetuate the cycle of suffering.

Leave removal to legal authorities

In areas with anti-tethering laws or laws that prohibit people from leaving their pets outdoors in extreme weather, Animal Control has a right to confiscate dogs if someone refuses to comply with the law.

When someone is unwilling or unable to provide necessary care for their dog despite being offered the resources to do so, getting the dog out of the situation may be the best option. In some cases, owner relinquishment may be achievable without involving law enforcement. If not, it’s usually best to contact Animal Control rather than trying to take the dog.

How can you help?

  • VOLUNTEER. Most outreach orgs rely on volunteers! If going out to deliver supplies isn’t for you, there are often other opportunities, like making phone calls or organizing supplies.
  • FOSTER. Give a dog at your local shelter a safe, warm place to crash! You’ll also make room for another dog who needs a spot at the shelter.
  • DONATE. Money and supplies are always needed!
  • ADVOCATE. Contact your local reps about creating (or enforcing) laws that protect pets in extreme weather.
Support outreach efforts with Detezi’s ‘Keep Pets With Their People’ collection.


Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Enjoy Detezi's educational content?

Consider supporting our efforts with a one-time $5 donation via Buy Me A Coffee!