Low Temperatures Prompt PETA to Offer Free Straw Bedding for Dogs

Dogs Kept Outside Can Suffer From Frostbite or Die When Left in Cold

For Immediate Release:
November 14, 2012

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Newport News, Va. -- As temperatures continue to drop, PETA will be out giving away free straw for use as doghouse bedding for dogs who are kept outside. While PETA strongly encourages people to keep their dogs and other animal companions indoors—especially at this time of year—in order to protect the animals' health and ensure their well-being and safety, reports of shivering dogs and last-minute calls for help have prompted the giveaway:

Date:   Saturday, November 17

Time:   Starting at 10 a.m. and continuing until all the straw is given away

Place:  Downing-Gross Cultural Center, 2410 Wickham Ave., Newport News

Newport News Animal Services will also offer free rabies vaccinations to dogs and cats who are 12 weeks of age and older.

"All dogs deserve to live inside a 'real' house, safe and dry, as part of the family," says PETA Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. "But because that isn't always the case, we hope that people will come and fetch free straw so that dogs who are left outside have at least some small comfort on freezing winter nights."

For more information, please visit PETA.org