Urgent Message From PETA: Winter Survival Tips for Animals in British Columbia
For Immediate Release:
December 4, 2019
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
As freezing temperatures affect the Kelowna area, animals––who can suffer from deadly frostbite and exposure, become dehydrated when water sources ice over, and die––are at risk. Recently in South Okanagan, three cats died and two were rescued after being left outside during 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 PSA—voiced by Tom Hardy, Casey Affleck, and Priyanka Chopra—and this animated PSA, both of which urge people to bring animals inside from the cold. For more information, visit PETA.org.
