Animal welfare officers were out in full force Thursday, making sure no animals were left in the brutal cold.

Nassau SPCA Detective Matthew Roper took News 12 on a ride-along as he confronted dog owners about the dangers of frigid conditions, which he says can turn deadly in only a few minutes.

In many cases, a written warning is issued as long as the animal is healthy and is brought inside right away.

But SPCA officers in Nassau say they wish they could do more.

In Suffolk County, it's illegal to leave a dog outside when temperatures drop below freezing, but no such law exists in Nassau.

Detective Gary Rogers says the crime should be a misdemeanor, that way officers have a better shot at preventing tragedies before they happen.

Nassau Legislator Josh Lafazan recently introduced a bill that would make it a crime to leave a pet outside in subfreezing temperatures. He says the measure could become law as early as next month.