NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- With the low temperatures, Metro Animal Control is springing into action to make sure some of Nashville's most vulnerable residents are safe from the cold.

Video: Animal Control Ensures Pets Safe From Elements

Officers said they see too many sad endings after family pets are forced outside in the cold without shelter.

"We just had two last week that froze to death, and it hadn't been that cold," said Officer Billy Biggs.

Metro Animal Control is conducting neighborhood sweeps, looking for animals unable to escape the biting cold.

Leaving a dog outside in cold weather without shelter is not only dangerous for the animal but is also against the law.

One man received a second offense, was issued a citation and ordered to immediately bring his dog inside.

"The dog's fine, but it just needs a doghouse," said Biggs. "You can't leave me out here in nine-degree weather."

"We were going to get a doghouse this week," the owner said.

Officials said adequate shelter is three sides, a roof and a floor.

Some dog owners don't realize the consequences of leaving a dog outside in cold weather.

"A back porch is not considered shelter by us or by the law," said Biggs. "We're going to go around, try to make contact with them, try to educate them and give them a certain amount of time to get a dog house in this weather. We won't give them too long. It's going to be really, really cold."