Mugger steals dog's winter coat

The severe cold snap hitting the northeast of the United States is causing discomfort for animals as well as humans.

A woman in New York City has told police a mugger stole a doggie coat right off the back of her mild-mannered terrier.

Donna McPherson told the New York Post she tied up Lexie, her 10-year-old Westie, outside a supermarket in the city's Brooklyn borough "for two minutes" while she bought milk.

She heard a "funny bark." When McPherson went outside, she found the little white dog shivering. His green wool coat, with leather trim and belt, were nowhere in sight.

McPherson said the dog coat was worth US$25 ($35). She said that, fortunately, Lexie wasn't wearing his pricier Burberry.

- AP