For immediate release:
20 February 2021
Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382
Hampton roads, virginia – With temperatures close to zero at night in your area, PETA reminds dog guards of a new state law that prohibits dogs from being chained or tethered outside when temperatures are 32 degrees or below, or during severe weather warnings for winter storms. Animals are particularly vulnerable in winter, with at least 37 cold weather-related deaths of domestic animals reported in 2019 (most cases are unreported).
The following steps can go a long way in helping animals cope with the cold temperatures approaching your area:
Companion animals must live indoors with their human families. “Dogs in the backyard” and “cats in the open air” like those shown in Breaking the chain, a new documentary directed by Oscar winner Angelica Houston, often goes without adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care. Their water turns to ice, their food turns to mush if left in the rain, and these animals are no better suited to frost or extreme weather than humans. They can suffer terribly from frostbite and die from exposure.
The coat will provide comfort for dogs in cold weather, a reliable harness will prevent them from loosening on a walk, and booties will protect their sensitive paw pads from the frozen ground. In cold weather, walks should be short, especially for short-haired dogs.
If your city or county allows dogs to be chained, contact your local authorities to get the ban lifted and contact PETA for assistance.
Animals left outside in the cold need people’s help– otherwise they could die. Many chained dogs are pit bulls, whose short coats make them particularly vulnerable. Even in milder weather conditions, state law requires that all dogs kept outdoors be provided with insulating straw or other bedding and kennels have a windscreen to keep the animals out of the cold. Please be careful if the dog is kept in chains or in a pen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or without adequate shelter from the weather. and immediately alert local law enforcement…
PETA released cold weather public service announcement… For more information please visit PETA.org or subscribe to us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram…
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