MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Animals, just like humans, are susceptible to colder temperature and need to be cared for appropriately.

"It's certainly been a year where we have had to deal with some really unfortunate circumstances including animals that were left to die in temperatures that their bodies couldn't sustain in the conditions they were left in," said Julia Palmer, the president and CEO of the Capital Area Humane Society.

Each animal case if different, based on the type of animal and the specific breed, since some are built for colder climates

"If it's a situation where we see that the animal may be in danger we refer that complaint to the Ingham County Animal Control, and they would do a subsequent investigation and seek charges if necessary," said Ken Plaga, the uniform division commander of the Meridian Township Police Department.

Julia Palmer recommends that owners pay close attention to animals outside.

"Sometimes it's just a matter of going out and checking on the animal and informing the owner that they need to provide maybe straw in the doghouse or make sure the animal has a warm safe place to go," Palmer said.

If an animal is reported that is not being properly taken care of, consequences will follow.

"Well depending on the severity of the situation, I mean if an animal is in danger and the owner is not taking proper care of it we will take the animal away," Plaga said.

"We have some animals here that were the result of a cruelty case where three animals unfortunately died because they were left out in the elements and the remainder of those animals were confiscated from the owner," Palmer said.

During extreme temperatures, Julia said to only take your pet out to go to the bathroom, and stay with your pet to ensure safety, especially older and younger pets.