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

For immediate release:
April 7, 2021

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

Edmonton, Alberta “This year, there are growing reports of dogs – and often their guardians – falling through the ice in rivers, lakes and ponds. Following news reports that a man who tried to help a dog trapped in an icy river in Edmonton fell and is presumed dead, PETA shares ice water safety tips.

While some of the dogs were rescued – for example, the dog in this case, which was rescued by the fire brigade – others died, as did the people who tried to rescue them. (See These recent stories of incidents in Edmonton, La Salle, and Toronto.) The following precautions can help dog guardians prevent such tragedies:

• Always keep dogs on a secure leash and harness when walking.
• Never allow dogs to run freely near open bodies of water.
• In yards with unfenced pools, always walk dogs on a leash in other parts of the yard.

PETA also encourages 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 Violation chain– suffer terribly from frostbite and may die from exposure. There have been at least 16 cold weather-related pet deaths so far in 2021, and these are just those reported and most not. This Video shows only a handful of dogs that PETA field researchers found suffering from cold last year.

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