All pets need shelter, food, water and attention, especially pets spending a lot of time outdoors. A domestic animal’s fur is no match for wind, rain, ice and snow no matter what the temperature.  Indoor pets are particularly susceptible to the danger of hypothermia but even pets acclimated to the outdoors can succumb if they are not protected.  A dry, draft-free shelter large enough to be comfortable but small enough to hold body heat, raised a few inches off the ground and insulated on all sides including the floor is a must! Check water often to prevent freezing. Wind chill is particularly dangerous and can be a serious problem outdoors or riding in the back of an open vehicle. (Dog tie-downs made for truck beds are a good precaution to prevent injury or death from falling.)

An animal that is allowed to wander may become lost, injured or killed.  Keep your pets safe at home and make sure dogs are currently licensed and have identification tags.

Riding in the back of an open truck can be dangerous or even deadly for your dog. If you are not able to transport your dog inside your vehicle, make sure you have properly secured your dog in the bed of your truck. You can find dog tie downs made specifically for truck beds.

Winter is upon us and even in Kodiak, we can have days where it is not safe to leave your pets in an enclosed vehicle. The temperature in your vehicle can lower very quickly on even on a warm sunny day and quickly become deadly to your pet.

DOGS POSE A THREAT TO OUR DEER   
By John Crye, Department of Fish & Game
(Edited by HSK)

Dog owners may have a hard time believing that their beloved family pet could be a deer killer.  However, when a dog sights a deer its natural predatory instincts kick in and the situation can be out of control in seconds.  Even small lap dogs are capable of running deer to their death.  The problem quickly becomes compounded when dogs pack up together. 
Deer are easy targets for dogs in winter months when they are driven to lower elevations by snow that hinders their movements and they are trying to conserve their energy.  Dogs rarely kill deer cleanly and will chase and harass them for fun until they die of exhaustion or hypothermia.  Sometimes, deer can suffer for hours or days before they die.

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game, the State Troopers, and Borough Animal Control respond to numerous calls every year of dogs chasing and harassing wildlife; and for ever incident reported, there are many more unseen cases.

What is the Law?

• State Statute (Sec. 03.55.030) states whenever a dog habitually annoys or bites a deer any person may lawfully kill the dog when at large.  If the owner of the dog is reasonably identifiable he will be given time to restrain the dog before it is lawful to kill it.
• In addition, a dog owner of a deer-killing dog may be fined by the State of Alaska for the value of the deer, which is currently $400.00.
• Borough regulations also require dogs to be leashed or under direct control of the owner.