Merry Christmutts! PETA to Kick Off Toy Drive for Dogs Chained Outside with ‘Santa Paws’ Photo Event

For Immediate Release:
December 5, 2024

Contact:
Nicole Perreira 202-483-7382

Norfolk, Va. –

Santa Paws is coming to town—Norfolk, that is—where he’ll spread holiday cheer by posing for photos with local canine companions at PETA’s Bea Arthur Dog Park on Sunday. The festive event will offer free vegan hot chocolate for everyone who drops by and will kick off PETA’s annual winter toy drive, which aims to brighten the lives of neglected dogs who are kept chained or penned outdoors 24/7. Compassionate people everywhere can help by donating toys online or dropping them off to Santa’s elves at the Santa Paws event and at participating businesses throughout Hampton Roads.

Where: Bea Arthur Dog Park, 501 Front Street, Norfolk

When: Sunday, December 8, 11 a.m.

Pre-registration for photos with Santa Paws is encouraged. Walk-ins will be accepted as time allows.

‘Santa Paws’ poses with local pups at a previous PETA event. Credit: PETA

“Lonely dogs left chained up outdoors in the cold are denied comfort, warmth, and even a kind touch, but just one toy can give a depressed, frustrated dog something to wag their tail about,” says PETA Vice President of Community Animal Project Emily Allen. “PETA encourages the community to help bring comfort and joy to all this holiday season by donating to our ‘Christmutts’ toy drive, and to always keep their companion animals safe and warm inside.”

Every day, PETA’s fieldworkers visit dogs across southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina who are chained or penned outside in all weather extremes, confined to the same few feet of space day in and day out. PETA provides fresh food, clean water, sturdy doghouses lined with straw to help shield them from the bitter cold, flea treatment, and playtime—which is often the only affection or kind word these dogs receive.

Dog toys and treats can be donated using this Amazon link. Hampton Roads residents can also drop off toys through the holidays at any of these locations:

Georgie’s Pet Supply (9631 Granby Street, Norfolk)
Granby Veterinary Hospital (3415 Granby Street, Norfolk)
Muddy Paws (3700 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk)
My Vegan Sweet Tooth (3916 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach)
Nail 911 (1827 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk)

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.