SOUTH BEND — People aren't the only ones trying to stay warm in this frigid weather. Many pets across the area are being left in the cold. Animal Control is getting dozens of calls from concerned neighbors every week.

Many dogs aren't being taken care of properly in this cold weather. WSBT followed an Animal Control officer to find out what they're seeing.

Kim Lucas has been an Animal Control officer for 13 years.

"Just when you think you've seen it all something will pop up that you've never experienced before," she said.

Especially in cold, snowy weather like this. South Bend Animal Control gets an average of 10 calls a day about dogs being left in the cold.

When officers arrive, they typically find the same thing.

"He does have straw in there, so that's good. However, you can see that he has the dishes out here for the food and water, but the water is frozen," said Lucas.

A few miles away, an even worse situation.

"His doghouse isn't in very good shape; he doesn't have any bedding in it," Lucas pointed out. "He has no food or water, not even any bowls."

Luckily, someone was home to care for the dog right away.

"Are you going to get some kind of bedding for him for the shelter?" Lucas asked the dog's owner.

Not providing a dog with proper food, water, and shelter is against the law. But more importantly, just like humans, this weather can cause potentially deadly effects, like frostbite.

"It can become very severe to where they can lose the pads on their feet, they lose the tips of their ears. It can affect their nose badly too. It's very sad. The dogs are out there apparently in discomfort. It's sad to see that. You know, they're not inside with a family being treated like a family pet," said Lucas.

Animal Control officers suggest putting straw in a dog's house to keep them warm. Also, make sure their food is edible and free of any snow. And be sure to replenish their water often.

If a pet owner is found in violation of the law, Animal Control will leave a notice with the homeowner. If they don't respond with 24 hours, Animal Control will take the necessary steps to remove the pet from the home. The owner could face up to $2,500 in fines.