Whitesboro resident concerned about dog outside, owners say dog has access to heated shelter
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: January 24, 2013
For the last few years, there's something off Middle Settlement Rd.
that's caught the attention of Whitesboro resident, Lorrie Markason.
"There's a dog in the driveway, it's just alone out there and Tuesday was my last straw when I drove by in a wind chill of five degrees and blowing and drifting snow under a lake effect warning, and that poor animal sitting outside," said Markason.
Lorrie said she called the Whitestown Police Chief who went to the location to check out the house.
The Chief, who says he is familiar with the address, says the dog had food water and a heated doghouse.
"We've had one complaint, I don't know if there's been any ones or not recently, we've had other complaints on the dog, we have checked on it numerous times but we don't feel that there's any type of cruelty to the animal," said Chief Donald Wolanin.
During our visit yesterday, the dog was outside, but we did see a nearby shelter.
On our return visit today, the dog was not outside.
The owners invited Eyewitness News onto the property to show us the dog inside a heated garage.
"She has 24 hour access to her heated insulated dog shed that's been here for over a year, almost two years now, and she's very well loved and taken care of everyday. On severe nights we bring her inside the heated garage when it gets too cold," said Matthew Cotrupe, who lives at the home.
Cotrupe says he's frustrated by some of the accusations, but says he understands people have concerns about the dog.
"She's part Siberian Husky, so if she's outside, it's by her choice," said Cotrupe.
Huskies are known for their thick coats that serve as insulation and breeders say they actually prefer the cold.
"There's a dog in the driveway, it's just alone out there and Tuesday was my last straw when I drove by in a wind chill of five degrees and blowing and drifting snow under a lake effect warning, and that poor animal sitting outside," said Markason.
Lorrie said she called the Whitestown Police Chief who went to the location to check out the house.
The Chief, who says he is familiar with the address, says the dog had food water and a heated doghouse.
"We've had one complaint, I don't know if there's been any ones or not recently, we've had other complaints on the dog, we have checked on it numerous times but we don't feel that there's any type of cruelty to the animal," said Chief Donald Wolanin.
During our visit yesterday, the dog was outside, but we did see a nearby shelter.
On our return visit today, the dog was not outside.
The owners invited Eyewitness News onto the property to show us the dog inside a heated garage.
"She has 24 hour access to her heated insulated dog shed that's been here for over a year, almost two years now, and she's very well loved and taken care of everyday. On severe nights we bring her inside the heated garage when it gets too cold," said Matthew Cotrupe, who lives at the home.
Cotrupe says he's frustrated by some of the accusations, but says he understands people have concerns about the dog.
"She's part Siberian Husky, so if she's outside, it's by her choice," said Cotrupe.
Huskies are known for their thick coats that serve as insulation and breeders say they actually prefer the cold.
