Urgent Message from PETA: Winter Survival Tips for Animals

For Immediate Release:
December 14, 2017

Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382

As cold weather is affecting your area, animals are at risk and can suffer from deadly frostbite and exposurebecome dehydrated when water sources freeze, and die. Just this week in Richmond, a dog had to be rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic after being found outside in a state of hypothermia.

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.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.