Urgent: PETA Tips for Keeping Dogs Safe in Frozen Lakes and Ponds

For immediate release:
February 26, 2021

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

Northampton, Massachusetts – After reports that the dog had to be rescued from the frozen river in Northampton, PETA shares tips for animal safety –especially given the recent increase in reports of dogs falling into frozen lakes and ponds.

While some of these dogs were rescued, others perished, as did some of the guards who tried to rescue them. (Please see these recent stories – from just last week– incident detection in Arkansas, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania and Tennessee) The following precautions can help dog guards prevent such tragedies:

• Always keep your dogs on a secure leash and harness when walking.
• Never let dogs run freely near open water.
• In a backyard with an unfenced pool, always walk dogs on a leash in other parts of the yard.

PETA is also urging guardians to allow pets to live indoors with the rest of the family, such as “backyard dogs” and “outdoor cats” – like those featured in the documentary. Breaking the chain– suffer terribly from frostbite and may die from exposure. There were at least 37 cold weather-related pet deaths in 2019, and these are just the ones that were reported and most were not. This Video shows just a few of the dogs that PETA researchers have faced this winter.

PETA released cold weather public service announcement… For more information please visit PETA.org or subscribe to us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram…