Taraji P. Henson Watches Over Chicago’s Dogs and Cats During Freezing Weather

Academy Award Nominee’s New ‘Angel’ Billboards Warn Guardians to Keep Animals Indoors During Bitter Cold After Dog Was Found Frozen

For Immediate Release:
February 18, 2014

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Following the freezing death of at least one dog in Chicago and charges against a Chicago resident for allegedly leaving her dogs to suffer outside in frigid temperatures, PETA erected two new billboards featuring Taraji P. Henson with a message “from above.” In the billboards, Henson poses in angel wings with her beloved dog Uncle Willie next to the words “Be an Angel for Animals—Keep Them Inside, Where It’s Safe and Warm.” Like PETA, Henson knows that dogs and cats aren’t equipped to withstand temperatures that plunge to freezing and well below and should never be left outside in the winter.

One billboard is located on Mannheim Road near the intersection with Lake Street, and the other can be seen on N. Cicero Avenue near the intersection with W. Diversey Avenue.

“I never thought that I could be so in love with an animal until I had Willie,” Henson says. “He’s our family. … He’s just the best companion. Dogs to me are like children. … They’re so pure in their love, and all they do is aim to please.”

Henson is known for her roles as Shug in Hustle and Flow (2005) and Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2009. From 2011 to 2013, she costarred in the CBS drama Person of Interest.

Despite their fur, dogs and other animals can suffer from frostbite and exposure. PETA strongly cautions all dog and cat guardians to keep their animals indoors. This is especially critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, animals who are ill, and dogs with short hair. Also, cats and dogs should never be allowed to roam, especially during winter, when they seek warmth under car hoods and get caught in fan belts.

PETA’s “Angel” billboards are also scheduled to go up in Detroit and Cleveland.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.