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Companion Animals Are Dying in Cold Weather—These Are the Reported Cases

Last updated on May 16, 2024:

The number of dogs and other companion animals who have reportedly died from causes related to cold weather in 2024:

30

Every year, PETA receives reports about dogs, cats, and other animals who died or had to be rescued after being left outdoors in cold weather—and these are just the incidents that were reported. Most aren’t.

YearDeathsRescuesIncidents
202430542See the list.
202313644See the list.
202235364See the list.
202122475See the list.
2020677See the list.
201937322See the list.
20184334See the list.
How to Keep Your Animal Companion Safe in Cold Weather

The following list is a compilation of cold weather–related deaths of companion animals reported by the media as of 2024:

DateLocationNotesNumber of Dogs and Other Animals Who Died
4/28/2024Tacoma, WashingtonFive kittens were found nearly frozen in a box left outside. One of them later died. 1
3/23/2024Cass County, North DakotaA cat was euthanized after being found sick and freezing outside.1
3/22/2024Ottawa, Ontario, CanadaA small dog died after falling through the ice on a partially frozen river.1
3/20/2024Middletown, OhioThree dogs who had been tied up in the cold without food were rescued. One later died.1
3/18/2024Paducah, KentuckyA mother dog lost her six puppies to cold and dehydration after she was tied up outside unable to reach them.6
2/17/2024Wimauma, FloridaA family of dogs was thrown from a car. Some of them died from hypothermia.4
1/31/2024Houston, TexasA mother cat lost three of her four kittens before being rescued from the cold.3
1/23/2024Lafayette County, MississippiDeputies found two dead and six barely living dogs on a property during a wellness check.2
1/21/2024Guilford County, North CarolinaA dog froze to death after being abandoned in a box outside an animal shelter on a cold night.1
1/21/2024Lysander, New YorkTwo dogs died after falling through the ice on a river.2
1/15/2024Cape Girardeau, MissouriSix dogs were saved and two were found dead both inside and outside a residence. None of the dogs had access to heat.2
1/14/2024Casey County, KentuckyForty-four dogs were rescued from a freezing-cold house where two had frozen solid.2
1/14/2024Giltner, NebraskaOne dog died and another was recovering from hypothermia after being left outside on a freezing-cold day.1
1/4/2024Franklin County, PennsylvaniaTwo emaciated and freezing dogs were rescued from the cold outside a home. A third dog had recently died. 1
1/4/2024Wasilla, AlaskaThree cats—one of whom was frozen to death—were found outside in a bag.1
1/2/2024Cambridge, Ontario, CanadaA frozen cat was found outside someone’s home.1

The following list is a compilation of cold weather–related rescues of companion animals reported by the media as of 2024:

DateLocationNotesNumber of Dogs and Other Animals Who Were Rescued
5/4/2024Greater Sudbury, Ontario, CanadaA dog, too cold to swim back to shore, was rescued from an island.1
4/28/2024Tacoma, WashingtonFive kittens were found nearly frozen in a box left outside. One of them later died. 4
4/25/2024Calgary, Alberta, CanadaA woman jumped into a cold river to rescue a dog.1
4/24/2024Plainfield, New JerseyFour kittens who were left in front of an animal shelter were placed in a heating pad to help them recover from the cold.4
4/23/2024West Vancouver, British Columbia, CanadaA dog was rescued after a day spent lost on a snowy mountain.1
4/19/2024Kewanee, IllinoisFirefighters rescued a shivering dog from a well. 1
4/12/2024Michigamme Township, MichiganA dog was rescued after spending approximately 90 minutes in frigid lake water that gave two first responders hypothermia.1
4/8/2024Northern Manitoba, Manitoba, CanadaA dog and her 12 puppies were rescued from the cold in northern Canada. 13
4/7/2024Regional District of Nanaimo, British Columbia, CanadaA dog was rescued from the cold after spending a night on a mountain.1
4/4/2024Saskatchewan, CanadaSeven puppies were rescued from the cold after being abandoned at a dump.7
4/3/2024Cumberland, New JerseyA total of 120 dogs, some of whom were kept out in the cold and rain, were rescued from an alleged dogfighting ring.120
3/24/2024Dedham, MassachusettsA rain-soaked cat was rescued from a cold mall parking garage. 1
3/20/2024Middletown, OhioThree dogs who had been tied up in the cold without food were rescued. One later died.2
3/19/2024Marblehead, MassachusettsA dog who had escaped from her yard and run into the ocean was rescued by the harbormaster.1
3/18/2024Swearengin, AlabamaA cold and frightened dog was rescued after becoming stuck in a cave. 1
3/18/2024Paducah, KentuckyA mother dog lost her six puppies to cold and dehydration after she was tied up outside unable to reach them.1
3/18/2024Akron, OhioA dog was rescued from the frigid waters of a river.1
3/17/2024South Amboy, New JerseyA dog who had been missing and got hit by a car was rescued after two days in the cold.1
3/16/2024Prince George, British Columbia, CanadaA man crawled out onto the ice of a partially frozen river to rescue his dog, who had fallen through the ice.1
3/14/2024Sudbury District, Ontario, CanadaA dog was rescued after being stuck on the ice of a lake for more than an hour.1
3/14/2024Oswego, New YorkA man and his dog were rescued from the near-freezing waters of Lake Ontario.1
3/14/2024Lake Country, British Columbia, CanadaA woman found three cold dogs abandoned in a dog park early in the morning.3
3/14/2024Hopatcong, New JerseyA police officer used a paddleboard to rescue a dog who’d fallen through the ice of a lake.1
3/13/2024Fairfield, MaineTwo dogs were rescued after getting stuck on the ice of a pond. One of them fell into the water and sustained major injuries.2
3/11/2024Ogden, UtahRescuers hoisted a shivering dog out of a cold, wet hole inside a warehouse.1
3/9/2024Brookfield, New HampshireA dog left on a balcony overnight was rescued from the cold rain.1
3/8/2024Iron Mountain, MichiganTwo dogs were rescued after falling through the ice on a partially frozen lake. 2
3/6/2024Concord, New HampshireA passerby broke the ice on a partially frozen pond to help a dog who’d fallen in swim back to shore.1
3/6/2024Bedford County, VirginiaA police officer saved a dog from a frigid swimming pool.1
3/4/2024Chisago County, MinnesotaA police officer borrowed a kayak to save a dog who had fallen through the ice of a partially frozen lake.1
3/3/2024Blue River, ColoradoA dog was lost for 10 days after falling into very deep snow near their house.1
3/1/2024Caseville Township, MichiganA dog was rescued by firefighters after chasing a bird and falling through thin ice on Lake Huron.1
3/1/2024Kelowna, British Columbia, CanadaAn emaciated and freezing dog was found tied to a carrier in the snow.1
3/1/2024Newtown, ConnecticutA dog was rescued by firefighters after getting spooked and hiding in a cold, wet storm drain.1
3/1/2024Tullahoma, TennesseeA cold dog was found barely alive in a trash bag at the bottom of a dumpster.1
2/28/2024Ottawa, Ontario, CanadaA dog was rescued after falling through the ice of a partially frozen river.1
2/28/2024Chicago, IllinoisA starving and cold dog was found in a park.1
2/27/2024Northborough, MassachusettsFirefighters rescued a woman and her dog after they got stuck in  mud and ice.1
2/23/2024Lorain, OhioFirefighters rescued a shivering puppy who had fallen into a sump pump.1
2/20/2024Spokane, WashingtonA dog was rescued after months of being spotted around the neighborhood.1
2/18/2024Baldwin Township, MinnesotaFirefighters rescued a dog after the animal fell through the ice on a partially frozen lake.1
2/17/2024St. Louis, MissouriA dog and her six puppies were rescued from an abandoned building on a below-freezing day.7
2/17/2024Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaAn emaciated dog was rescued from an unheated garage where she had been abandoned.1
2/17/2024Casper, WyomingA dog was rescued after getting stuck on an icy island surrounded by a frigid river.1
2/17/2024Wimauma, FloridaA family of dogs was thrown from a car. Some of them died from hypothermia.3
2/14/2024Chelmsford, MassachusettsAnimal control officers rescued a dog who had fallen into a partially frozen pond.1
2/13/2024Rock Springs, WyomingA cat was saved after being left in a plastic bag outside a rescue facility on a cold night.1
2/8/2024Robertson County, KentuckyFourteen dogs were rescued from a breeder who had kept them in unheated structures during freezing temperatures.14
2/7/2024Plainfield, New JerseyAn emaciated senior cat was abandoned in a crate outside an animal shelter on a cold night.1
2/6/2024Kelowna, British Columbia, CanadaFirefighters used a dinghy to rescue a dog who had fallen through the ice on a partially frozen pond.1
2/6/2024Coalinga, CaliforniaTwo puppies were taken to an animal shelter after being found in the cold rain.2
2/5/2024Neshannock Township, PennsylvaniaA dog was rescued after being found in a cold crate near a dock.1
2/4/2024Lincoln, NebraskaA dog was rescued after falling through the ice on a pond.1
2/2/2024La Ronge, Saskatchewan, CanadaA woman and her dog were rescued after their vehicle fell through the ice on a partially frozen lake.1
2/2/2024Long Grove, IllinoisFirefighters rescued a dog from a partially frozen pond.1
2/1/2024Hickory, North CarolinaA dog was brought in from the cold after being left in a crate outside a humane society.1
1/31/2024Sanford, North CarolinaA dog looking to escape the cold was rescued after turning up on a man’s doorstep.1
1/31/2024Meridian, MississippiA nearly frozen dog was rescued from a yard during below-freezing temperatures.1
1/31/2024Houston, TexasA mother cat lost three of her four kittens before being rescued from the cold.2
1/30/2024New Melle, MissouriA dog was rescued from a pond after falling through the thinning ice.1
1/30/2024Crozet, VirginiaA dog was rescued after stepping on thin ice and falling into a pond.1
1/29/2024Waterbury, ConnecticutA cat was stuck in a tree for three days during freezing weather.1
1/28/2024Fort Wayne, IndianaA police officer rescued two dogs from an icy pond.2
1/26/2024Yakima, WashingtonA cat was abandoned in a box outside a shelter on a freezing-cold night.1
1/25/2024Kenosha, WisconsinA dog was rescued from icy lake water by the Coast Guard.1
1/24/2024Braintree, MassachusettsRescuers saved a dog who was clinging to the ice with his front paws after falling into a partially frozen river.1
1/24/2024La Salle, IllinoisFirefighters rescued a dog who had fallen through the ice of a partially frozen pond.1
1/24/2024Paterson, New JerseyA malnourished dog was recovering after being abandoned in the cold.1
1/24/2024Greenfield, MassachusettsA dog was rescued after falling through the ice on a river.1
1/23/2024Lafayette County, MississippiDeputies found two dead and six barely living dogs on a property during a wellness check.6
1/22/2024Henderson, KentuckyA cat was rescued after being stuck in a tree for three nights in the bitter cold.1
1/22/2024Benton County, TennesseeA dog was rescued after getting stuck in a cold pond in the animal’s backyard.1
1/21/2024Mount Olive, New JerseyPolice officers rescued two dogs who had been abandoned 10 miles from home in the cold.2
1/21/2024Toppenish, WashingtonSix puppies were rescued from a sealed bin in which they had been left out in the cold.6
1/21/2024Indianapolis, IndianaAn animal control officer saved two dogs and a man who was unable to speak or move—all of whom were succumbing to the cold in their backyard.2
1/20/2024Canton, OhioA dog was rescued from an icy riverbank during below-freezing temperatures.1
1/20/2024Oakland, CaliforniaA shivering dog was rescued after being stuck in a well for several hours. 1
1/20/2024Monroe County, West VirginiaThirty-five dogs who were being kept outdoors in frigid temperatures were rescued.35
1/20/2024Cambridge, Ontario, CanadaA dog went missing on a cold night and was rescued from an icy river the next day.1
1/20/2024Southfields, New YorkA cat was rescued from the woods during subfreezing temperatures.1
1/19/2024Peoria, IllinoisA snowplow driver rescued a small dog he saw outside while plowing.1
1/19/2024Bowling Green, KentuckyA cat was found nearly frozen outside.1
1/19/2024Waterbury, ConnecticutTwenty-two caged cats were left in the snow outside an animal control office.22
1/19/2024Stone County, MissouriFifty-five dogs were rescued from a property where they were being kept without food or shelter.55
1/19/2024South Bend, IndianaA dog was rescued after chasing a goose onto a partially frozen river and falling through the ice.1
1/19/2024Georgetown County, South CarolinaA dog was rescued by animal control after being found in the cold for the second time.1
1/18/2024Sapphire, North CarolinaA police officer rescued a stray dog when temperatures dropped to the teens.1
1/18/2024Fayetteville, ArkansasA dog was rescued after falling through the ice on a lake.1
1/18/2024Stroudsburg, PennsylvaniaTwo dogs were rescued after being tossed from a moving car into a snowbank.2
1/18/2024Qunicy, MassachusettsA dog was rescued after being left in a car in below-freezing temperatures.1
1/18/2024Colchester, VermontA dog was rescued after getting stranded on the ice in a bay.1
1/18/2024TexasA woman tried to save three cats from the cold but only managed to bring in one.1
1/17/2024Tarrant, AlabamaA dog was confiscated from their owner after being left out in the cold.1
1/17/2024Beaumont, Alberta, CanadaA dog was rescued from the cold eight days after leaving their property through an open gate.1
1/17/2024Cherryville, British Columbia, CanadaSeven dogs were rescued from a backyard breeder who was keeping them outside in the cold.7
1/17/2024Wilkin County, MinnesotaSeventeen neglected dogs were rescued from a home without heat.17
1/16/2024Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaA professional tree climber saved a cat who had been stuck in a tree for three cold days.1
1/16/2024San Antonio, TexasA family of dogs was rescued from the cold.5
1/16/2024Jackson County, MichiganA dog owner was told to return home and bring their dog inside after animal control noticed the animal out in the cold.1
1/16/2024Algona, IowaA man and a dog were rescued from a car that had gotten stuck in a snowdrift.1
1/15/2024Kansas City, MissouriA dog was rescued from the cold outside a vacant home.1
1/15/2024Haledon, New JerseyOfficials rescued a dog who was outside and showing signs of frostbite.1
1/15/2024Cape Girardeau, MissouriSix dogs were saved and two were found dead both inside and outside a residence. None of the dogs had access to heat.6
1/15/2024Gibson County, IndianaFirefighters rescued a dog who had fallen into an icy pond.1
1/15/2024Detroit, MichiganA dog lying in the snow was rescued.1
1/15/2024Georgetown Township, MichiganA dog was rescued by firefighters after falling through the ice on a partially frozen lake.1
1/15/2024Alpena County, MichiganFirefighters from three departments collaborated in rescuing a dog who had fallen through the ice on a marsh.1
1/15/2024West Kelowna, British Columbia, CanadaA frostbitten cat was rescued from the cold.1
1/15/2024Midland, MichiganA dog was rescued by firefighters after falling into an icy river.1
1/14/2024St. Clair, MissouriVarious animals, including 19 dogs, were rescued from the bitter cold.    19
1/14/2024Georgetown, ColoradoA dog was rescued from a highway during a snowstorm.1
1/14/2024Casey County, KentuckyForty-four dogs were rescued from a freezing-cold house where two had frozen solid.44
1/14/2024Clearfield, UtahA dog was rescued by firefighters after falling through the ice of a pond.1
1/14/2024Cold Brook, New YorkTwo people capsized their boats while trying to rescue a dog who had fallen through the ice at a reservoir.1
1/14/2024Giltner, NebraskaOne dog died and another was recovering from hypothermia after being left outside on a freezing-cold day.1
1/14/2024Indianapolis, IndianaA dog was rescued after being outside for hours in the snow during subzero temperatures.1
1/13/2024Kansas City, MissouriSix puppies under a house were rescued during a cold snap.6
1/13/2024Kelowna, British Columbia, CanadaFour cats were trapped and brought indoors to save them from below-freezing temperatures.4
1/13/2024Youngsville, LouisianaAn abandoned dog was found shivering just before a hard freeze.1
1/13/2024Sandy, OregonTwo humans and a dog were rescued when their car got stuck during an arctic blast.1
1/13/2024West Kelowna, British Columbia, CanadaTwo people and a dog fell through the ice on a lake and were rescued by bystanders.1
1/12/2024Milwaukee, WisconsinA cat who had been living under rocks by the beach for weeks was rescued before a cold snap.1
1/12/2024Green Bay, WisconsinA cat was rescued from the cold and treated for frostbite.1
1/10/2024Burt Township, MichiganA specialized rope-rescue team saved a cold dog who had fallen 60 feet off a cliff during the night.1
1/9/2024Westmoreland County, PennsylvaniaA dog was rescued after escaping on a cold, windy day and getting stuck in a storm drain.1
1/9/2024Wichita, KansasA cat was rescued after veterinary workers heard the animal mewling in the snow behind an animal hospital.1
1/9/2024De Soto, IowaA dog who got lost during a car crash was found after spending a day out in a winter storm.1
1/9/2024West Kelowna, British Columbia, CanadaA frostbitten cat was found in the cold.1
1/9/2024Oklahoma City, OklahomaA cat who was out in the cold was rescued and adopted on the spot.1
1/9/2024Lloydminster, Alberta, CanadaA cat was rescued after getting stuck in a cat trap in -32°C (-25°F) weather.1
1/8/2024Windsor, Ontario, CanadaA cat is recovering after falling into an ice-cold pool.1
1/6/2024Lincoln, New Brunswick, CanadaTwo dogs were rescued from an icy river. One had fallen in, and the other was refusing to leave their side.2
1/5/2024Liberty, MaineTwo dogs were rescued from an icy lake. One had fallen in, and the other was trapped on the ice.2
1/4/2024Wasilla, AlaskaThree cats—one of whom was frozen to death—were found outside in a bag.2
1/4/2024Wichita, KansasA mother dog and her five pups were abandoned in a bag in the cold soon after she gave birth to them.6
1/4/2024Franklin County, PennsylvaniaTwo emaciated and freezing dogs were rescued from the cold outside a home. A third dog had recently died. 2
1/4/2024Saratoga Springs, New YorkA man allegedly abducted his neighbor’s cat and then abandoned the feline outside an animal shelter in frigid temperatures.1
1/2/2024St. Louis, MissouriAn extremely skinny dog was found huddled beside a house, shivering in the cold.1
1/2/2024Colorado Springs, ColoradoFirefighters rescued a  dog who had fallen into an icy lake.1

No animal should endure a cold weather–related death. It’s inexcusable.

As guardians, we must take these vital steps in order to protect our beloved animal family members:

1. Keep animals indoors.

Puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans, are particularly susceptible to the elements, but all animal companions should be kept warm and cozy indoors. Short-haired animals will also benefit from wearing warm sweaters or coats during brief trips outdoors.

2. Don’t allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors without supervision.

Being outside unattended is always dangerous for our animal companions, but cold weather poses even more risks. Cats can climb under the hoods of cars in order to get near warm engines and then be badly injured or killed when the vehicle is started.

3. Keep an eye out for strays.

If you see companion animals roaming the streets, bring them indoors until you can find their guardians, or take them to an animal shelter.

4. Clean dogs after they come in from the snow.

Salt and chemicals used to counter snow can make animals sick if they ingest them. Always clean off your dogs’ legs, paws, and stomach after they’ve been out in the snow. If you use antifreeze, buy a nontoxic brand like Sierra or Prestone LowTox.

5. If you see dogs left outdoors in extreme weather without proper shelter, alert the authorities.

Winter weather spells extra hardship for “backyard dogs,” who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, note their location and alert local authorities immediately.

6. Help all animals survive cold snaps.

During extreme winter conditions, you can provide birds and other wildlife with access to water by filling a heavy nonmetal water bowl (tongues can freeze to metal) and breaking the surface ice twice a day.

When the weather improves, be sure to remove any food offerings in order to prevent the animals’ dependence on artificial feedings.

*****

Together, we can help drastically reduce the number of dogs and other animal companions who die in cold weather and even eliminate these tragedies altogether.

Animals are counting on us—as their guardians and as good Samaritans—to keep them safe. We can’t let them down.

Take Action Now

You can become an “Angel for Animals” by sponsoring a PETA doghouse. We provide lonely “outside dogs” with sturdy doghouses to shelter them in the rain and in the snow and freezing temperatures of winter. Click below to help:

Help a Cold, Neglected Dog Survive the Winter

Make sure that all your friends and family members know the potentially lifesaving cold-weather tips above:

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Watch this video, listen to this radio clip, and check out this ad to learn more about the reasons why you should never leave a dog outside during cold weather.

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“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?”

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