Urgent Message from PETA: Winter Survival Tips for Animals in the Knox County Area

For Immediate Release:
January 3, 2018

Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382

As freezing temperatures are affecting Knox County, please include the risks to animals, who can suffer from deadly frostbite and exposurebecome dehydrated when water sources ice over, and die. Last week in Knox County, eight puppies reportedly died after being left outside in below-freezing temperatures. By sharing this information, you may save a life.

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, please visit PETA.org.