Ep 2. Out in the Cold

Animal Precinct is a true-life reality show that follows the daily activities of the Animal Care and Control (ACC) team of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The ACC is responsible for enforcing animal cruelty laws in NYC, rescuing stray animals, and investigating animal abuse cases. In season three, episode two, the team is faced with a challenging rescue operation.

The episode, named Out in the Cold, begins with a call from a Good Samaritan who reports seeing a dog tied up all day in freezing weather without any food, water, or shelter. The ACC team responds to the scene immediately, and upon arrival, they find a disturbing sight. The dog, a pit bull mix, is indeed tied up with a short chain to a post, exposed to the harsh elements. She is shivering uncontrollably, and her nose and paws are turning blue.

The team talks to the witness, who reveals that she has seen the dog tied up outside for several days, but today, she felt compelled to intervene. She tried to approach the dog, but the dog growled and snapped at her, making her fear for her safety. The team now faces a two-fold challenge: rescuing the dog and preventing anyone (including themselves) from getting bitten.

The ACC officers, trained in animal handling and behavior, approach the dog calmly, using a catchpole to keep her at a safe distance. It takes some time and patience, but they finally manage to lure her with a piece of food and secure her with a leash. The dog is visibly afraid and aggressive, but they manage to transport her safely to the ACC shelter for further evaluation.

Once the dog is in the shelter, the ACC team assesses her physical and mental health. She is underweight, dehydrated, and suffering from hypothermia. She also has some wounds and scars that suggest she may have been involved in dogfighting. The team names her Winter, and she becomes the center of their attention.

The team takes Winter to the veterinarian for a thorough check-up, and the results are not very positive. Winter has some chronic health issues that need treatment, including heartworm and a severe skin condition. The team has to put Winter on a special diet, medication, and a strict exercise routine before she can be put up for adoption. Winter also needs training and socialization, as she is fearful and aggressive towards other animals and humans.

The ACC team gets to work, providing Winter with all the care and attention she needs. They feed her, give her medication, exercise her, and work with her on her behavior. They also bathe and groom her, which improves her skin condition and appearance. Winter starts to show signs of improvement, and her aggression and fear begin to diminish.

The team also investigates Winter's case further, looking for her owner or anyone responsible for her neglect. They talk to neighbors, check surveillance cameras, and follow leads. They manage to track down her previous owner, who admits to abandoning her and claims he had found her on the street. The team informs him of the consequences of animal cruelty and neglect and warns him against any future wrongdoing.

Finally, after several weeks of care, Winter is ready for adoption. The team advertises her availability and prepares for the adoption process. They are looking for a family that can provide Winter with a safe, loving, and permanent home and continue her training and care.

The episode ends with Winter getting adopted by a loving family, who promise to provide her with all the care and attention she needs. The team is happy to see Winter off to her new home and take satisfaction in knowing that they have saved another animal's life and given it a second chance.

In conclusion, Animal Precinct season three episode two, Out in the Cold, is a heartwarming and inspiring episode that highlights the ACC team's dedication and commitment to rescuing and caring for neglected and abused animals. It's a must-see for any animal lover and an eye-opener to the realities of animal cruelty and neglect.