A Deadly Daisy Chain
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.
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
