Sidewalk ©iStockPhoto.com/LingXia

Although more and more municipalities are passing laws against chaining dogs, many cities still have no such legislation, and there are many dogs still suffering and dying at the end of a chain, especially in freezing weather. Now PETA is making some of these cities—including Spokane, Washington —an offer they shouldn't refuse: We'll shovel the snow off the sidewalks outside City Hall if they’ll let us stencil ads on those sidewalks to focus attention on the plight of dogs chained outdoors all winter.

Chained dogs are forced to endure extreme weather conditions and usually go without veterinary attention and any form of companionship. Cold winters spell extra hardship for dogs left outdoors, as they may suffer from dehydration when water sources freeze as well as frostbite and exposure. Frustrated dogs tied out on chains are also more prone to aggression and biting and are vulnerable to acts of cruelty.

Whether or not these cities accept PETA's win-win proposition, there are plenty of ways that we can all speak up for freezing, lonely chained dogs. If your community lacks an ordinance against chaining, demand one—and if you see dogs chained outdoors, help them.

tinyfarmblog / CC

In the aftermath of the recent record-breaking snowstorms that hit the East Coast, it is being reported that the roofs of up to 50 chicken sheds throughout the Delmarva Peninsula in Delaware and Maryland have collapsed under the weight of the snow. As a result, thousands of birds have likely suffered and died in the rubble of these buildings.

These storms were predicted well in advance, which means that farm operators had ample time to figure out how to deal with the snowfall. All responsible farmers should always have an emergency evacuation plan in place for situations like this one. Now, we're writing to Delaware and Maryland officials urging them to investigate and insisting that cruelty-to-animals charges be brought if evidence is found to warrant them. If some farm operators did nothing to prevent the roof collapses or to evacuate the chickens, and any animals died as a result of their inaction, then those farmers are directly responsible for the animals' deaths.

The best way to prevent fatal accidents like this? Decrease the demand for chickens and other farmed animals by going vegan.

Written by Logan Scherer

Yesterday morning, walking to the D.C. Metro along the tenuous paths carved through the high banks of snow, the usual birdsong was missing. Then I heard a sparrow chirp and found a group of them sitting under a restaurant awning. I had cereal in a bag with me, so I scattered it under the awning, and out hobbled a pigeon who had been under a table, her legs clearly frozen. At each step, she stumbled and had to right herself. Because she ate, I didn't want to scare her by attempting to catch her and feared she would flutter off into the snow, so I watched her eat and then moved on. Last night, making my way home, I found her back under that table, frozen, snow all over her back. In D.C. and many other cities across the nation, there is no water for the birds and no grass for them to reach under the many feet of snow. At PETA's Washington office and around town, including in Lafayette Park and Union Station, we are doing our best to help them. This morning I had an idea: I picked up whole-grain bread and stuck slices of it in the saplings on the streets.

With bad weather sweeping the nation, feeding wild animals can mean the difference between life and death for them.

Birds and countless other animals around the city are struggling to survive. It is crucial that in these dire weather conditions, you take action in behalf of animals who would otherwise be left to succumb to the elements by providing them with something to eat and making sure that they have access to fresh water.

Written by Ingrid E. Newkirk

Whoever said you can't wear white after Labor Day apparently never saw this army of vogue volunteers:

These snowmen and -women put the "white" into "White House" yesterday, telling dozens of blizzard-braving, picture-taking passersby that the only thing colder than snow is fur. And what's cooler than these Jack and Jane Frosts? We've yet to come up with an answer to that one.

Written by Logan Scherer

It's time to play another round of "Who Wore It Worse?" In this round, two singers who consistently hit only low notes—thanks to their garish fur garments—are about to face off.

First up: Is this "Loco for fur" Latina still "from the block?" That ghastly coat certainly suggests that she spends her nights walking the streets.

Not to be outdone, the "Queen of Cold's" wailing performance in this gruesome getup had some holiday revelers worried that they were witnessing the death throes of a bear.

By now you know how to play: First, name the fur hags pictured above, and then cast your vote for "Who Wore It Worse?" And be sure to tune in tomorrow for round four!

Written by Karin Bennett

We’ve been working on this bad boy for a long time now, and thanks to the genius of our Flash designers, I think it’s fair to say that this is the best e-card we’ve ever done. OK, fine, last year’s was pretty damn good too. Anyway, check it out and tell me what you think.