Urgent Message From PETA: Cold Weather Survival Tips for Animals in Ontario

For Immediate Release:
February 15, 2019

Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382

As freezing temperatures are affecting your area, animals, who can suffer from deadly frostbite and exposure, become dehydrated when water sources ice over, and die, are at risk. Recently in Kitchener, a dog had to be rescued after being found tied to a pole during below-freezing temperatures.

Keep animals indoors. Freezing temperatures spell extra hardship for “backyard dogs,” who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements and are unable to help, note their location and alert authorities immediately. (For information regarding what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.)

In cold weather, you can provide birds and other animals 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 weather improves, be sure to remove any food offerings to encourage animals to move on to warmer areas.

Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted.

PETA has released a cold-weather public service announcement featuring Justin Theroux. For more information, visit PETA.org.