22 Companion Animals Endured Cold Weather-Related Deaths in 2021—That We Know Of
The number of dogs and other companion animals who have reportedly died from causes related to cold weather in 2021:
22
Every year, PETA receives reports about dogs, cats, and other animals who have died after being left outdoors in cold weather. In 2021 alone, 22 companion animals died because of cold weather—and those are just the deaths that were reported. Most aren’t.
| Year | Deaths | Rescues | Incidents |
| 2024 | 35 | 582 | See the list. |
| 2023 | 13 | 644 | See the list. |
| 2022 | 35 | 364 | See the list. |
| 2021 | 22 | 475 | See the list. |
| 2020 | 6 | 77 | See the list. |
| 2019 | 37 | 322 | See the list. |
| 2018 | 43 | 34 | See the list. |
The following list is a compilation of cold weather–related deaths of companion animals reported by the media in 2021:
| Date | Location | Notes | Number of Dogs and Other Animals Who Died |
| 2/22/2021 | Fairview Township, Pennsylvania | A man and two dogs died after they all fell through a frozen pond in Fairview Township, PA. The man had attempted to use a kayak to rescue the dogs, but he fell in as well. | 2 |
| 2/16/2021 | Wichita, Kansas | A dog froze to death after being tethered outside in freezing temperatures. | 1 |
| 2/15/2021 | Houston, Texas | One dog died and five others had to be rescued after being left outside an auto body shop in subzero temperatures. | 1 |
| 2/15/2021 | Davis City, Iowa | One dog died after being left outside during freezing temperatures. The owner was not charged nor was his other dog taken away. | 1 |
| 2/14/2021 | Grapeland, Texas | Four horses and four dogs were rescued from a property after being left outside in subzero temperatures. Officials found one dog dead. | 1 |
| 2/13/2021 | Noble, Oklahoma | After seeing a Facebook post from a concerned resident, a good Samaritan checked on a dog reportedly chained outside in freezing temperatures. When she arrived, she found multiple chained dogs, three puppies, and only a hole for shelter. | 6 |
| 2/13/2021 | Frankfort, Kentucky | Nine puppies were abandoned outside an animal shelter after hours in freezing temperatures. Five of them died. | 5 |
| 2/8/2021 | Burns Lake, British Columbia, Canada | A dog was found half frozen outside in subzero temperatures. A good Samaritan attempted to save him, but the dog died shortly afterward. | 1 |
| 2/8/2021 | Detroit, Michigan | A senior dog was found dead in his yard after being left outside in freezing temperatures. | 2 |
| 2/7/2021 | St. Louis, Missouri | A dog and her puppy froze to death after being abandoned in their doghouse on the side of a road. They were among the more than 30 dogs and cats found outside in the cold in just three days and taken to Stray Rescue of St. Louis. | 1 |
| 1/12/2021 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Animal control found a dog frozen to death. She was with her seven puppies, who were rescued and survived. | 1 |
The following list is a compilation of cold weather–related rescues of companion animals reported by the media in 2021:
| Date | Location | Notes | Number of Dogs and Other Animals Who Were Rescued |
| 12/30/2021 | Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada | Nine dogs were seized from a property after being tied up outside in freezing temperatures. | 9 |
| 12/30/2021 | South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania | Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen into cold water inside an abandoned building. | 1 |
| 12/29/2021 | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada | A dog was reunited with his guardian after going missing and spending four days in extreme cold. | 1 |
| 12/27/2022 | Nelson, British Columbia, Canada | Two dogs were rescued from an avalanche at a ski resort. | 2 |
| 12/27/2021 | Pierce County, Washington | Nineteen dogs were rescued after being neglected during a winter storm. | 19 |
| 12/27/2021 | Great Falls, Montana | Firefighters rescued two dogs from an icy river. | 2 |
| 12/27/2021 | Liberty, Wisconsin | Two dogs made it back to shore after falling through ice on a lake. | 2 |
| 12/26/2021 | Santa Clarita, California | Thirty-one dogs were rescued after being tied up under a railway bridge in freezing temperatures. | 31 |
| 12/26/2021 | Moultonborough, New Hampshire | Three people rescued a dog from an icy lake. | 1 |
| 12/26/2021 | Grand County, Colorado | A dog was rescued by skiers after being buried in an avalanche. | 1 |
| Week of 12/26/2021 | Lawton, Oklahoma | Humane Society of Lawton–Comanche County officials rescued a malnourished dog found outside in the cold. | 1 |
| 12/24/2021 | Papillion, Nebraska | After falling through ice on a lake, a dog was rescued by his or her guardian. | 1 |
| 12/21/2021 | Denver, Colorado | Firefighters rescued two dogs from an icy pond. | 2 |
| 12/20/2021 | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy river. | 1 |
| 12/17/2021 | El Paso, Texas | A woman was arrested after allegedly leaving an elderly dog out in the cold. | 1 |
| 12/17/2021 | Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada | Seven puppies were rescued after being found at a garbage dump in cold weather. | 7 |
| 12/16/2021 | Lake Tahoe, California | A dog was rescued by volunteers after being found stuck in 5 feet of snow. | 1 |
| 12/13/2021 | Calgary, Alberta, Canada | A pregnant dog was rescued after being found tied to a wooden pole in the snow. | 1 |
| 12/13/2021 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy lake. | 1 |
| 12/11/2021 | Denver, Colorado | Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy lake. | 1 |
| 12/10/2021 | Waterdown, Ontario, Canada | Firefighters rescued a dog and a man from an icy pond. | 1 |
| 12/8/2021 | Carroll, New York | Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy pond. | 1 |
| 12/6/2021 | St. Paul, Minnesota | An emaciated dog was rescued after being caged outside in freezing temperatures | 1 |
| 12/2/2021 | Airdrie, Alberta, Canada | Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy canal. | 1 |
| 12/2021 | Bridgewater, Virginia | A missing dog was rescued from an icy river after spending a week out in the cold. | 1 |
| 11/30/2021 | Belfair, Washington | Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy river. | 1 |
| 11/29/2021 | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy river. | 1 |
| 4/11/2021 | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | Rescuers saved a dog who had fallen through the ice on a partially frozen river. | 1 |
| 4/6/2021 | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | Rescuers saved a dog who had fallen through the ice on a partially frozen river. | 1 |
| 3/26/2021 | Lebanon, New Hampshire | Firefighters rescued a dog who was trapped on a partially frozen lake. | 1 |
| 3/24/2021 | Cairo, New York | Police officers rescued two dogs who had fallen through ice on a reservoir. | 2 |
| 3/21/2021 | Bigfork, Montana | Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy lake. | 1 |
| 3/18/2021 | Edwards, Colorado | Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen through ice on a partially frozen lake. | 1 |
| 3/7/2021 | Bolingbrook, Illinois | Two dogs had to be rescued by firefighters after falling into an icy pond. | 2 |
| 3/6/2021 | Idaho Falls, Idaho | Three dogs were rescued by firefighters after falling into the Snake River. | 3 |
| 3/5/2021 | Long Beach, New York | Police officers rescued a dog who was locked inside a freezing van on a 29-degree night. | 1 |
| 3/5/2021 | Monee, Illinois | Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy reservoir. | 1 |
| 3/5/2021 | Wheaton, Illinois | A dog had to be rescued from an icy pond. | 1 |
| 3/4/2021 | Manteno, Illinois | A dog was rescued by two police officers after falling into an icy lake. | 1 |
| 3/4/2021 | Hanson, Massachusetts | Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen into an icy pond. | 1 |
| 3/4/2021 | Oronoco, Minnesota | A dog had to be rescued after falling into an icy lake. | 1 |
| 3/3/2021 | Hanson, Massachusetts | A dog and his guardian had to be rescued after falling into an icy pond. | 1 |
| 3/2/2021 | Jefferson, Wisconsin | Firefighters rescued a 12-year-old girl and her dog after they fell into a partially frozen pond while on a walk. | 1 |
| 2/28/2021 | Sylvania, Ohio | A dog had to be rescued by firefighters after falling into an icy pond. | 1 |
| 2/27/2021 | Hoopeston, Illinois | Firefighters and local residents rescued a dog from an icy lake. | 1 |
| 2/27/2021 | Vigo County, Indiana | Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy pond. | 1 |
| 2/26/2021 | Long Beach, New York | A dog was rescued after being left inside a van during below-freezing temperatures. | 1 |
| 2/26/2021 | Columbus, Indiana | Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy lake. | 1 |
| 2/25/2021 | Aurora, Indiana | Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy lake. | 1 |
| 2/24/2021 | Pike Creek, Delaware | Firefighters rescued a dog trapped on a partially frozen pond. | 1 |
| 2/24/2021 | Lee’s Summit, Missouri | Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen through the ice on Raintree Lake. | 1 |
| 2/24/2021 | Wilmington, Delaware | Police and firefighters rescued a dog who was stranded on a frozen pond. | 1 |
| 2/24/2021 | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | After a 2-year-old cat was found frozen on a porch, her leg and tail had to be amputated. | 1 |
| 2/23/2021 | Glen Carbon, Illinois | A 17-year-old boy’s neighbor rescued the boy’s dog after the animal fell into a partially frozen lake. | 1 |
| 2/23/2021 | Edmonton, Alberta | Firefighters rescued a dog from a partially frozen pond. | 1 |
| 2/23/2021 | Parker, Colorado | Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy lake at Salisbury Equestrian Park. | 1 |
| 2/23/2021 | Tonawanda, New York | A dog and his two guardians had to be rescued after falling into a frozen creek. | 1 |
| 2/23/2021 | San Antonio, Texas | Animal Services rescued about 200 animals during the week of winter weather. | 200 |
| 2/22/2021 | Mapaville, Missouri | Two fire departments worked together to rescue a dog who had fallen into a thawing icy pond. | 1 |
| 2/22/2021 | Marshall, Arkansas | A dog had to be rescued by police, other first responders, and neighbors after falling into a partially frozen pond. | 1 |
| 2/22/2021 | Madison, Wisconsin | Firefighters rescued a woman and her dog after they fell through the ice on Lake Monona. | 1 |
| 2/22/2021 | Olive Branch, Mississippi | A dog and the dogs guardian has to be rescued after falling into a frozen pond. | 1 |
| 2/22/2021 | Clinton, British Columbia, Canada | A dog was rescued after being lost for 17 days outside during one of the seasons worst cold snaps. | 1 |
| 2/22/2021 | Shelby County, Tennessee | Firefighters rescued a Great Dane who had fallen through the ice on a pond. The animal’s guardians told firefighters that they had let three of their dogs out and one of them quickly returned and alerted them that something was wrong. | 1 |
| 2/22/2021 | Hot Springs, Arkansas | A dog and his guardian had to be rescued after falling into an icy pond. | 1 |
| 2/21/2021 | Robeson County, North Carolina | A dog had to be rescued after being left chained outside in standing, freezing-cold floodwater. | 1 |
| 2/20/2021 | Montgomery, Alabama | Montgomery Humane Society officers removed about 40 animals who had been left outside on chains or without shelter during cold weather in the few weeks prior. | 40 |
| 2/20/2021 | Woodhaven, Michigan | A dog was stuck on the frozen Detroit River for four days and was rescued by a good Samaritan. | 1 |
| 2/19/2021 | Murfreesboro, Tennessee | A dog had to be rescued after falling into a frozen pool. | 1 |
| 2/19/2021 | Houston, Texas | An elderly Labrador was rescued after being left outside in freezing temperatures. | 1 |
| 2/18/2021 | Franklin County, Ohio | A dog suffering from a BB shot to the head was abandoned inside a cage in a snowy parking lot. | 1 |
| 2/18/2021 | Houston, Texas | A dog was rescued after being left outside in freezing temperatures. | 1 |
| 2/18/2021 | Harvey County, Kansas | A cat was rescued after being abandoned in the cold. | 1 |
| 2/18/2021 | San Antonio, Texas | A woman found a dog wandering around outside during frigid temperatures and used tortillas to lure him into her car. | 1 |
| 2/18/2021 | Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada | A dog was rescued after being found outside in freezing temperatures. He was suffering from frostbite on his ears and tail. | 1 |
| 2/17/2021 | Franklin, Tennessee | A man jumped into a partially frozen pond to save his dog, who had fallen in. | 1 |
| 2/17/2021 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | A dog had to be rescued by police officers after being left on a balcony while it was snowing. | 1 |
| 2/16/2021 | Toronto, Ontario | A dog had to be rescued from an icy pond. | 1 |
| 2/16/2021 | Harris County, Texas | Eight dogs and a pig were rescued from a property after being left outside in freezing temperatures. | 9 |
| 2/15/2021 | Southlake, Texas | A dog playing in the snow in his backyard wandered onto a partially frozen pool and fell in. His guardian rescued him. | 1 |
| 2/15/2021 | Youngstown, Ohio | One puppy had to be rescued after being abandoned in a crate in the freezing rain. The crate had the word “Free” written on the side of it. | 1 |
| 2/15/2021 | Bellmead, Texas | Two puppies had to be rescued after being left in a dumpster during single-digit temperatures. | 2 |
| 2/15/2021 | Houston, Texas | Eight dogs had to be rescued after being left outside in freezing temperatures. They were all malnourished, and one had a broken jaw. | 8 |
| 2/15/2021 | Houston, Texas | One dog died and five others had to be rescued after being left outside an auto body shop in subzero temperatures. | 1 |
| 2/15/2021 | Princeton, Minnesota | A cat had to be rescued after being found outside in freezing temperatures and suffering from frostbite. | 1 |
| 2/14/2021 | Albuquerque, New Mexico | A dog was rescued after getting stuck between two boulders during a hike. It was freezing outside, so firefighters had to work quickly to free him. | 1 |
| 2/14/2021 | Oxford, Mississippi | A puppy had to be rescued from a frozen lake after falling through the ice while fetching a stick. | 1 |
| 2/14/2021 | Hot Springs, Arkansas | A man and his dog had to be rescued by police after falling into a frozen pond. | 1 |
| 2/14/2021 | Southlake, Texas | A dog had to be rescued by his guardian and a police officer after falling into an icy pond. | 1 |
| 2/14/2021 | Cedar Springs, Michigan | A woman found a cat nearly frozen to one of the tires on her car. The animal is recovering. | 1 |
| 2/14/2021 | Grapeland, Texas | Four horses and four dogs were rescued from a property after being left outside in subzero temperatures. Officials found one dog dead. | 8 |
| 2/13/2021 | Frankfort, Kentucky | Nine puppies were abandoned outside an animal shelter after hours in freezing temperatures. Five of them died. | 4 |
| 2/12/2021 | Houston Texas | Harris County deputies rescued a dog found in distress after being left outside in a crate during cold, rainy weather. The dog was released to a family member, and the owner was charged with cruelty to animals. | 1 |
| 2/8/2021 | Wichita, Kansas | Firefighters rescued a dog trapped on a partially frozen pond. | 1 |
| 2/8/2021 | Omaha, Nebraska | A cat was rescued after getting stuck in a chain-link fence in the snow. | 1 |
| 2/8/2021 | Topeka, Kansas | Three fire departments worked together to rescue a dog who had fallen into an icy river. | 1 |
| 2/8/2021 | St. Louis, Missouri | A dog and her puppy froze to death after being abandoned in their doghouse on the side of a road. They were among the more than 30 dogs and cats found outside in the cold in just three days and taken to Stray Rescue of St. Louis. | 28 |
| 2/7/2021 | Escondido, California | A dog had to be rescued after being tied to a pole and abandoned in a park. | 1 |
| 1/28/2021 | Omaha, Nebraska | Rescue crews had to save a dog and the dog’s two guardians after they fell into an icy pond. | 1 |
| 1/27/2021 | Mansfield, Ohio | A 4-month-old puppy was abandoned outside the Richland County Animal Shelter after hours and wasn’t discovered until the following day. The temperature dropped to 18 degrees that night. | 1 |
| 1/24/2021 | Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada | A couple rescued a cat who was living outside in the cold and suffering from frostbite. | 1 |
| 1/24/2021 | Branford, Connecticut | A dog was found outside in the early morning after being abandoned in freezing temperatures. He was suffering from frostbite on his paws as well as other medical conditions because of neglect. | 1 |
| 1/20/2021 | New York, New York | A dog was rescued by police officers after falling into the icy Jamaica Bay. | 1 |
| 1/17/2021 | Cairo, New York | A dog found in a shed, trying to keep warm after being abandoned, had been suffering from malnutrition and dehydration for many months and was 20 pounds underweight. | 1 |
| 1/13/2021 | Catawissa, Pennsylvania | A 12-year-old poodle mix was found abandoned outside a Dollar General store. He was treated for hypothermia, and an investigation is underway to find out who abandoned him. | 1 |
| 1/12/2021 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Seven puppies were rescued after being left outside in the cold. Their mother didn’t survive. | 7 |
| 1/8/2021 | Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania | A dog was tied to a pole and abandoned outside an animal shelter during 24-degree weather. He was discovered and rescued. | 1 |
| 1/7/2021 | San Antonio, Texas | A puppy was abandoned in a cardboard box outside an animal shelter, in the freezing cold. He survived and will be adopted out once old enough. | 1 |
| 1/3/2021 | Burlington, Vermont | A 10-year-old Great Dane was found abandoned on the side of the road in freezing temperatures. | 1 |
| 1/3/2021 | Québec, Canada | A woman took in a cat who was suffering from frostbite, worms, and rotten teeth after being abandoned outdoors in the cold. | 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.
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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:
Make sure that all your friends and family members know the potentially lifesaving cold-weather tips above:
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.
