I just posted an article about the frigid temperatures expected over the next few days in Chicago, but for many pets left outside all over the world, cold winters can be just as deadly. One year ago, the Virginia Attorney General's Office issued an advisory to Animal Control during a severe cold weather spell.
We have to do better for these animals. If you live near an outside dog with inadequate shelter and temps are dropping to/below freezing, please ask their person(s) to bring them in! Be polite and explain (...yes, gently kindly explain) why it’s dangerous for the animal to remain outside in the freezing weather. If they cannot take the animal in, offer to bring them in to your heated garage, basement, bedroom. Remember to be nice — like you’re trying for a job interview! Assholes who won't protect their animals tend to double down on their negligence if they feel attacked.
And if they still refuse, CALL ANIMAL CONTROL and if needed remind them of the laws in your state. Even print them out for them if you have to. Also, it is just as important to hold Animal Control responsible for enforcing the law as it is to try to help the animal yourself. But both have to be done with the right amount of finesse. So be nice, respectful, and keep your focus on doing what it takes to help the animal. If you are in a place where Animal Control won't or can't help, do what you can without going to jail or getting shot. If you are going to be a vigilante, you need to be machiavellian in your actions, or you are liable to pay the price, as unjust as that is.