As Winter Storm Fern spreads ice, snow, and record-breaking cold from Texas to the Northeast, animal advocates are sounding the alarm. It’s not just people who need to prepare for the deep freeze—millions of animals are in serious danger, too.
Animal Wellness Action, a national protection group, issued an urgent plea today for owners to take immediate steps to keep their animals safe. The warning is especially critical for people in Southern states, where extreme cold is rare and many barns or shelters aren’t built for arctic weather.
A “Life-Threatening” Situation
Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action, says the forecast is scary for creatures great and small.
“This storm is not just a human emergency,” Pacelle said. “Animals who cannot speak for themselves are uniquely vulnerable, especially in southern states where such cold is rare and preparedness approaches are often limited.”
READ: Massive Ice And Snow Storm Already Delays Over 2,000 Flights And Calls Up National Guard
The group says the risk is high for every animal: family dogs and cats, farm livestock, and even animals kept outdoors for illegal activities like cockfighting.
Pets: Bring Them Inside
The number one rule right now? Bring them in.
As temperatures drop well below freezing, experts say pet owners need to keep dogs and cats indoors. If they stay outside, they risk frostbite, hypothermia, or worse.
- Watch the Water: Outdoor water bowls can freeze quickly. If an animal can’t drink, they can’t stay warm.
- Extra Food: Animals burn way more energy trying to stay warm, so they might need extra food.
Tethered dogs are at the highest risk. If a dog is tied up, it can’t move around to find a warm spot or escape the wind. Ice can build up on the ground, trapping them. The group urges anyone who ties their dog outside to find a better, safer solution immediately.
Farm Animals and The Southern Cold
In the South, farm animals like horses and cattle aren’t used to single-digit temperatures. Their bodies aren’t acclimated to this kind of shock.
Desiree Bender, the Arkansas state director for the organization, warned that livestock need windbreaks (walls or tarps to block the wind) and plenty of hay.
READ: From Wind Chill To Beach: Tampa Bay’s Weather Rollercoaster Week Ahead
“Livestock need dependable windbreaks, increased feed, and continuous access to liquid water to maintain body heat,” Bender said.
She noted that horses face serious risks, even with winter coats, if they get wet and cold.
The biggest hidden danger? Dehydration.
Many people forget that farm animals drink less when water is freezing cold or frozen solid. This can lead to colic, a dangerous and painful digestive issue in horses. Owners need to use heated buckets or break the ice frequently to keep water liquid.
A Specific Warning for Roosters
The group also highlighted a unique concern: thousands of roosters kept outdoors for cockfighting. While the practice is illegal, the animals are real. There are estimated to be 20,000 roosters in these situations, often tied up with little protection. Without shelter or insulation, these birds can die quickly in freezing temps.
Expert Advice: Calories Count
Dr. Jim Keen, a senior veterinarian with Animal Wellness Action, put it simply: the cold wind is the enemy.
“During extreme cold, animals don’t die from snow: they die from wind chill and lack of calories,” Dr. Keen explained.
His advice? Give them unlimited food and a place to get out of the wind. Those are the two best things you can do to keep them alive until the storm passes.
How You Can Help
If you see an animal in distress or without shelter during this storm, contact your local animal control or a nearby humane society immediately.
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