ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - As temperatures begin to drop for the season, Roanoke County Police say there are local laws that can hold the owner of any animal liable if they do not provide proper shelter.
Police say they usually get several calls asking them to check out an animal.
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According to the Roanoke County Code of Ordinances, it is against the law for any owner of a pet to not provide a sufficient amount of food and water, and adequate shelter from the weather.
Adequate shelter allows pets to stand, sit, lie down and move around. It also provides protection from injury, rain, sleet, snow and cold weather.
According to Roanoke County Police Officer Eric Hubble, as long as pets have shelter, owners are not violating the law.
"There's no state law stating the animals have to brought inside," Hubble said. "We do recommend, if possible, bringing them in, or if you're not able to bring them in, provide them with some type of bedding."
"A dog house that is insulated is excellent," said Angels of Assisi Medical Director Michelle Spangler. "Also making sure that the door is set askew so the wind is not blowing directly on the animal."
Roanoke County Police also recommend a large blanket or a barn for those that own livestock.