The projected sub-zero wind chills are a danger to humans and animals alike.
Henryetta’s animal control is trying to mitigate some of that problem at the dog pound by providing shelter from the wind as well as straw bedding to keep the animals off the bare ground.
Currently two dogs are being kept at the facility. One was brought in after biting a person while another was found roaming the streets.
“We have a dog problem, we have a cat problem,” said mayor Jennifer Clason. “At least these animals are out of the direct wind and have food and water. There are others roaming the streets that don’t have it.”
City officials tried to find warm shelter for the two dogs Monday. “We called Dr. Jenkins to see if he could house them for the night but he didn’t have room at his office and no one else could help,” she said.
“We are doing the best we can do to take care of the dogs.” She said it would cost upwards of $50,000 to build a facility that could keep the animals inside. “We don’t have that kind of money.”
Pet owners are being urged to bring their animals inside while the single-digit cold weather system is still around.