The weather in Cedar City, Utah has been particularly hot over the past few weeks. Many pet owners realize the dangers that extreme temperatures can pose to dogs. However, a family in Cedar City is choosing to ignore them.
Kim Phifer, a Cedar resident, noticed three Huskies left outside during the recent heatwave, where temperatures spiked to 115 degrees. Chained to a metal cage and placed on an unshaded concrete floor, these Huskies have experienced recent days when temperatures have skyrocketed to triple digits. However, Phifer is desperately trying to make a difference.
“This is ridiculous, it’s not humane, no one likes to see this. When I first saw them, there was no shade, no food, no water. They’ve changed the situation and that’s still unacceptable,” Phifer told ABC 4.
Slowly but surely, a woman is making a difference
Initially, Phifer was able to rescue one of the dogs after providing the family with $200. Two other dogs remained on the property, but Phifer didn’t give up.
“Initially there were three dogs. One of them was chained to a tree, the other to a post, one to the porch,” Phifer said.
Phifer repeatedly reached out to animal control and local authorities to try to get justice for the Huskies family before it was too late. Her desperate efforts to help them find the love and shelter they deserve seem to fall on deaf ears.
Outdated and unspecified laws Rescue efforts delayed
Officers went to the home to check on the dogs, but what they discovered was not a violation of current Utah law.
“I’m here to save the dogs, I don’t want any trouble, I just want these dogs to be taken care of so you know, I just want these laws to change,” Phifer said.
Utah’s animal cruelty regulations state that pet owners must provide “adequate protection, including appropriate shelter, against extreme weather conditions.” .” However, the regulations do not specify what actually constitutes an adequate and adequate shelter. After viewing pictures of Huskies, a veterinarian agreed that these puppies were not receiving proper care.
“Any outdoor animal should be misted when it’s hot like this or actually brought indoors. They need to be in the shade and in the shade all day,” says veterinarian Cameron Norton.
Please continue to help before it’s too late
On June 16, Phifer shared on her Facebook page that a second dog had disappeared from the house. That left a lonely puppy still waiting for comfort and love. Phifer is continuing his crusade to rescue the third Husky. Unfortunately, the owner asked her not to contact them or come to their property. Phifer reports that she has offered the family $1,000 for a third Husky but has had no luck so far.
Summer temperatures continue to rise. Please be vigilant and contact your local animal control office if you believe any animal may be in danger.
h/t: ABC4.com
Featured photos: @ KimPhifer / Facebook
