WEATHER BOMB: PETA OFFERS URGENT INFORMATION FOR SAFEGUARDING COMPANION ANIMALS DURING SEVERE WEATHER

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Hazardous Conditions

London – Because forecasters are predicting severe weather across the whole of the UK today, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is offering urgent advice for ensuring the safety of animal companions. Please alert your audience to the following information, which could help save the lives of cats, dogs, birds and other companion animals during the inclement weather:

• Keep animals indoors. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm jumper or coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam freely outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the bonnets of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started. (To help prevent this, bang loudly on the bonnet of your car before starting the engine.) Animals can also become disoriented when there is snow or ice on the ground. More animals are lost during the winter than during any other season.
• Increase animals' food rations because they are burning more calories to keep warm. Also, make sure that animals are free of internal parasites, which can rob them of vital nutrients.
• Keep an eye out for strays. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or get them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide them with food and water and call animal-protection authorities for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• Antifreeze, which can be deadly, attracts animals because of its sweet taste. Avoid spills, be sure always to tighten the cap securely after use and store the antifreeze in a place where animals can't get to it.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk.