For the past 65 years during Yellville, Arkansas' annual "Turkey Trot Festival," residents have hurled live turkeys out of airplanes at high altitudes for the "pleasure" of watching the wild birds—who naturally only fly short distances at low altitudes—drop to the Earth. Many are badly injured or killed, and others are tackled and taken home to be eaten for Thanksgiving dinner. But this year, not only were no turkeys tossed, two lucky birds were also rescued and are now living in a loving home!

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) swarmed the area, promising that any pilot caught throwing turkeys would risk losing his or her license. Apparently, the would-be turkey-tossers decided it wasn't worth the risk—not one turkey was dropped! PETA is also offering a $5,000 reward (which still stands) for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone caught throwing turkeys out of airplanes.

To "get back at PETA" for objecting to this cruel tradition, one woman tried to buy two flightless, domesticated turkeys so that she could hurl them from the roof of the town courthouse! A PETA activist quickly intervened, warning the sellers that they would be aiding and abetting in a crime by selling the birds for this purpose, and she convinced them to give the birds to her instead. After getting veterinary care for one of the birds, who had suffered injuries to her face and neck, likely from abuse, PETA found the birds a wonderful home. Now named Lori and Walfredo, the turkeys are living the good life on a spacious farm with a loving family.

Written by Michelle Sherrow

A sweet pit bull named Daisy froze to death in the frigid January temperatures in Holiday Island, Arkansas, when the chain she was attached to prevented her from reaching any shelter. The local humane society is requesting that cruelty charges be filed against Daisy's owner, and in an effort to prevent more tragedies like this one, PETA has sent information on safeguarding animals during winter weather to local media outlets.

Sadly, Daisy isn't the first dog to freeze to death this winter—and she likely won't be the last. Fur coats—especially short ones like pit bulls'—don't prevent dogs and other animals from suffering from frostbite and exposure. Animals can also become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Young, old, small, and short-haired dogs like pit bulls, beagles, Dobermans, and Rottweilers are especially at risk. Please—if you see any dog left outside without shelter, call the authorities right away. Your call could spare a dog a lingering, painful, lonely death like Daisy's.

tobyotter/cc by 2.0

Don't forget: January is "Unchain a Dog" Month. If you know of a chained dog in your neighborhood, you can help by providing him or her with straw bedding, fresh water, treats, and toys. If the dog is friendly and the owners are receptive, offer to take the dog for walks and "play dates."

You can also support PETA's work to provide dogs left outside in the cold with doghouses as well as PETA's work in behalf of pit bulls. And please remember how important it is to spay and neuter your animal companions and help others in your community on this life-saving issue, too.

Written by Michelle Sherrow

ericlbc/CC by 2.0

Fireworks are being blamed for the recent deaths of 5,000 birds in Arkansas. The professional-grade explosives scared red-winged blackbirds and European starlings out of their nests and sent them into panicked flight. The night-blind birds crashed into houses, signs, and other obstacles, causing blunt-force trauma and death.

As this case shows, fireworks displays are disastrous for animals. Besides being frightening, fireworks produce plumes of smoke that are harmful to animals' respiratory systems and pollute standing water. The California Coastal Commission banned the city of Gualala's fireworks display after a 2006 show caused nesting seabirds to flee their nests and abandon their chicks. Fireworks are also being blamed for the deaths of about 50 birds found dead on a street in Sweden earlier this year. Animal shelters also report an increase in the number of lost animal companions following fireworks displays. Many animals go missing because they panic and jump over fences or break chains; some even jump through plate-glass windows in order to get away from the terrifying sounds.

You can help birds and other animals by asking officials in your town to ban fireworks and switch to laser light shows, which provide all the awe of fireworks displays but are more affordable and kinder to animals and the environment.

Written by Michelle Sherrow