Nebraska man arrested for leaving dogs outside in extreme cold
GILTNER, Neb. -- A man in central Nebraska is in jail after putting his dogs at risk during the cold this weekend.
According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called on Sunday afternoon to Giltner to check on the well-being of two dogs who had been outside all weekend.
A Wind Chill Warning was in effect all weekend, and nearby Aurora registered a wind chill of -41 on Saturday.
When authorities arrived, they found one of the dogs in distress and one dead outside of the house.
Officials say they arrested 60-year-old Kevin Jemison for cruel neglect of an animal resulting in death and cruel neglect of an animal resulting in serious injury.
The surviving dog was taken to Aurora Vet Clinic for emergency treatment of hypothermia and thermal injuries. The incident remains under investigation.
The Nebraska Humane Society urges people to keep pets inside once temperatures dip to 40 degrees. If keeping a dog outside, NHS recommends that dog houses should be solid wood structures with a flap on the opening and the flap should face away from the wind. Don’t use blankets as they become wet and can freeze. Heated water bowls are a necessity in below freezing temperatures. If your pet is used to going outside, monitor its time.