As brutal temperatures draw closer, first responders are working to keep residents safe and warm this weekend.
Animal cruelty advocates are urging pet owners to do the same with their outside pets and bring them inside.
Tim Geen is an animal cruelty investigator with the Tulsa SPCA.
Friday, he's making his rounds...making sure pets have the tools to survive Old Man Winter.
"They'll probably survive if they cover their nose and their paws," he said. "They can sustain themselves. But it causes a lot of internal problems. So I tell people please make extra arrangements when we get a situation like this."
With a work load of about 700 cruelty cases a year, the former police investigator stays busy responding to reports of neglect and providing food, unfrozen water and shelter.
“The wind will destroy them...if they don't have a way to block the wind. And that's what a doghouse is for,” he said.
Deliberately leaving a pet in these elements could mean life or death for many animals. It could also bring about criminal charges.
The Tulsa SPCA says their supplies are low.
Investigators are asking folks for donations so that they can save as many lives as possible.
“I'm almost down to zero when it comes to doghouses...I had to scrape up one this morning,” said Geen.
The SPCA recommends bringing pets inside whenever possible.
But if you see neglect in action, they recommend calling in, instead of confronting the homeowner.
I'll try to answer as many as I can,” Geen said.
Geen admits he won't be able to save them all this weekend.
But he takes pride and comfort in knowing he's chipping away at that number.
“The animal will sleep well and through this cold spell, and he'll be fine. And at least we know that's one we did something for.”
If you'd like to help the Tulsa SPCA save lives this weekend with temperatures drop, they're asking for donations of doghouses, straw and blankets.
You can call the Tulsa SPCA at 918-428-7722 to schedule a pickup.
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