Bitterly cold temperatures and extreme winds this winter not only cause agony for humans, but such conditions also lead to safety concerns regarding household pets and stray animals, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said this week.

?We are certainly being inundated with complaints about animals being left to fend for themselves,? said Stephanie Bell, senior cruelty caseworker for PETA.

Although animals have thick fur coats, Bell said, they too can suffer adverse effects from being subjected to harsh environmental conditions.

?Animals can suffer from frostbite and dehydration, often because water sources freeze,? she added.

Gayle Viney, public relations coordinator for the Dane County Humane Society, said low temperatures can be as unpleasant and dangerous for animals as humans.

Besides dangerous freezing temperatures, the effects of snow and ice on an animal can be just as harmful.

?A big thing is that ice or salt can be really hard on a dog?s paws and can cut them and hurt them,? Viney said.

According to Viney, owners should limit their time outside with pets, and when they must take them out for short breaks, she recommends using animal coats and booties.

?We advocate not allowing animals to run freely outdoors,? Bell said. ?We also strongly recommend increasing the amount animals are fed in winter months because they burn more calories in the winter.?

Bell also said owners who must keep their animals outside should take further precautions: ?PETA recommends having animals live indoors. If that is not an option, proper shelter should be provided.?

With regard to stray animals, Bell said PETA ?encourages all citizens to keep a close and vigilant eye out for stray animals in the community, and if they find them to take unidentified animals from the streets into their local animal shelters.?