Pet owners on the island are being reminded to take extra precautions as temperatures dip below freezing.
Erika Paul is the Senior animal protection officer for the area. She says the cold weather brings all sorts of hazards for dogs and cats, including: frozen hairs between their paw pads that can cause pain;salted roads and sidewalks which can iritate paws; and the use of antifreeze which tastes good to animals, including wildlife -- but it is poisonous.
If you have an outdoor dog Paul says be aware their coats may not have developed enough warmth yet to keep them protected from the elements, and they may be too old to bear the temperatures:
"They just need to be cognizant of their pets outside struggling in this weather. Keeping water bowls with drinking water is virtually impossible because it freezes. So there really aren't any obviouis solutions other than bringing their pets inside."
Paul adds - even livestock need extra protection right now:
"You know we've just checked on some pigs that aren't doing well in the cold either. So we're going to be reaching out to the owner because they are shivering."
Paul says farm animals need to have adequate shelter, and proper bedding to endure the cold temperatures.