Park Hills officers respond to animal well-being check requests during single-digit temperatures

K-9 Rudy is undoubtedly proud of his human law enforcement partners who conducted a well-being check on fellow canines reported to be chained outside in single-digit temperatures. Submitted

The Daily Journal is sending a big THANK YOU to the Park Hills police officers who not only responded to a call requesting a “well being check” on some dogs reported to be chained outside without shelter as the temperatures fell to single digits, I received a call to give me an update on the situation.

A reader contacted the editor on Jan. 23, needed to remain anonymous, and reported four Park Hills addresses where they had seen dogs chained outside. They asked for assistance on behalf of the animals. The Daily Journal called Central Dispatch with the addresses and information that had been given.

A short while later, an officer called to report that three of the addresses were found to have their animals inside–apparently outside to do “business,” then brought right back inside. At one address, the dog was indeed outside without shelter. The officer advised the owner that it was against the law to have an animal chained outside in below-freezing without shelter to keep them warm and protected from the elements. The owner was advised that they would be under observation, and should the episode be repeated, there would be serious repercussions.

Later, there were several posts on social media from a couple of Park Hills dog owners expressing their appreciation for officers who had paid them a visit to check on animals because a report had been made that the animals were unsafe outside.

Thank you, officers, for serving and protecting Park Hills residents, business, and the animals, too!

Thank you, caller who needed to be anonymous. You went out of your way to collect addresses and confirm that the dogs were indeed outside, then reached out for help. You are the kind of citizen that St. Francois County needs. We should emulate your actions.

“If you SEE something, SAY something!” Whether it is animals in distress, a stranded motorist, a building fire, an overdose, a burglary in progress, a well being check on a person–members of law enforcement organzations and other first responders are ready and willing to investigate and offer assistance.