The coldest temperatures of the winter are descending on central Illinois starting this weekend and a local law enforcement official is hoping pet owners will think of those outdoor dogs.

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers says while people have a choice of going out and staying out in this cold or finding a warm blanket, our pets don't have that choice. He hopes residents with outdoor animals will make appropriate accommodations for that animal.

Inevitably, someone will leave a dog out without adequate shelter and water and authorities will be called. The Chief indicates police are often the first call and through the course of their response, authorities will seek to make contact with the owner of the pet but will never leave the animal in its current condition if a change of scenery is required.

According to Chief Lowers, there continue to be issues with dogs not on a leash in our neighborhoods. He reminds residents to keep animals leashed when not on their property and clean up any messes they make when they are out on walks in the community.