dog in outside temperature

Question
I may be overreacting so before contacting animal control, wanted to ask you this. I live in an apt. complex and someone keeps a small, young dog, enclosed outside in a very small area using chicken wire, too small to exercise. But my concern is the temperature outside. She leaves it out all afternoon and beyond. It's been in the 40's during the day, which is ok. But right now, it's 6pm and the temperature is 34 degrees. Is this ok or safe for the dog to be kept outside in that cold? She does take it in at night, though I don't know at what time. What if it were freezing, 32 degrees? I'm just an animal lover and didn't know if this is considered acceptable or not. If not, I'll report it to animal control. Thanks

Answer
Well, I did some research for you and there are not definitive temperatures since every animal is different. I would say that under 30 is starting to push it, and that includes wind chill.  Before you call animal control, maybe you could see why the dog is left out. Maybe they can't afford a dog walker (maybe a teenager would be affordable). I love to pair up elderly people with working couples/singles. The older person is being responsible to not commit to 15 years of caring for a dog and may not have the money, yet yearn for the companionship. The worker can afford the dog but are not home to play with it all day - a daycare match made in heaven. Had they thought about a shelter (with a good shelter the puppy could be ok down to single digits)? Maybe you could help them find a good shelter for their pen.

Only if they are nasty/belligerent/continue leaving the pup out in colder weather should you contact animal control, who are very busy.

Thanks for your concern for this young dog.