'Person of Interest' Star Says Dogs Belong Indoors With Their Families, Not Chained Outside

For Immediate Release:
February 27, 2013

Contact:
Wendy Wegner 202-483-7382

New York -- As winter's cold temperatures continue across the U.S., award-winning actor Taraji P. Henson is heating things up with a steamy new PETA campaign, in which she appears dressed in a short gossamer gown and a pair of synthetic, cruelty-free wings next to the words "Be an Angel for Animals." The ad, which was shot by top celebrity photographer Don Flood, goes on to stress that "chained dogs suffer day in and day out. They are cold, hungry, thirsty, vulnerable, and lonely. Keep them inside, where it's safe and warm." A high-resolution version is available here.

As part of the winter campaign, Henson also appeared in a video that encourages people to sponsor PETA doghouses for dogs in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina—where some dogs have no shelter at all—and sat down for an exclusive interview, in which she opened up about her costar in the campaign, her beloved dog, Uncle Willie. "I never thought that I could be so in love with an animal until I had Willie," she says. "He's our family. … He's just the best companion. Dogs to me are like children … they're the closest thing to God. They're so pure in their love, and all they do is aim to please." Henson also discusses her rewarding experiences volunteering at animal shelters with her son.

Dogs who spend their lives at the end of a chain ache for companionship and have to endure all weather extremes, including frightening thunderstorms, bitter cold, and blistering summer heat. They are also often deprived of basic veterinary care. Chaining dogs poses a safety risk as well: Chained dogs become aggressively protective of their tiny territories, and hundreds of people—mostly children—have been mauled and even killed after wandering within reach of chained dogs or encountering dogs who had broken free from chains.

This is Henson's second campaign with PETA. She first posed nude in the organization's famed "Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign to protest the cruel fur trade.

For more information or to view the ad, please visit PETA.org.

Pair of Midwesterners Radiate Kindness Toward Others—Including Animals

For Immediate Release:
February 28, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Los Angeles -- The Leughmyers of Columbia City, Ind., have always known that their daughter, Ciera,was the cutest kid around. The same goes for the Andersons of Fairfield, Iowa, and their 6-year-old son, Vaughn. But now it's official. That's because Ciera and Vaughn have been chosen as the winners of PETA Kids 2013 Cutest Vegan Kids contest. They beat out more than 120 other kids 12 and younger in the inaugural year that the competition was limited to vegans, thanks to the fast-growing number of kids who don't eat meat or unhealthy and cruelly obtained eggs and dairy products. Ciera and Vaughn have each won a prize pack and the opportunity to appear in their very own PETA Kids ad.

"Ciera's and Vaughn's radiance is no accident—it's the result of their healthy diet and their kindness toward others, no matter the species," says PETA Youth Marketing Manager Emily Rodriguez. "All our entrants were already winners because they spare the suffering and lives of animals every time they sit down to eat."

Ciera is already a seasoned activist, having handed out leaflets and discussed animal rights with other children as well as adults. Her philosophy is very simple: Animals are her friends, and she doesn't eat her friends. She knows that if something contains animal products, it means that an animal suffered. Ciera's "brothers" and "sisters" include two dogs, two cats, 10 rats, four mice, and one fish—all of whom were rescued.

Vaughn went vegan at 5, all on his own, after being raised a vegetarian from birth. Although he loves animals, he never asks to go to the zoo because he believes that animals should be free and not caged. Vaughn's commitment to a vegan lifestyle has inspired his 4-year-old sister also to go vegan, and he has inspired no fewer than five adults to go either vegan or vegetarian.

Winners were selected based on several factors, including vote count. For more information, please visit PETAKids.com.

Healthy, Happy 5-Year-Old Wins a Shot at Stardom in Her Own PETA Kids Ad

For Immediate Release:
February 28, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Columbia City, Ind. -- The Leughmyers have always known that their daughter Ciera was the cutest kid around, and now, so does everyone else. That's because Ciera has been chosen as the female winner of PETA's 2013 Cutest Vegan Kids contest. Ciera beat out more than 120 other kids aged 12 and younger in the inaugural year that the competition was limited to vegans, thanks to the fast-growing number of kids who don't eat meat or unhealthy and cruelly obtained eggs and dairy products. Ciera has won a prize pack and the opportunity to appear in her very own PETA Kids ad.

"Ciera's radiance is no accident—it's the result of her healthy diet and her love and kindness toward others, no matter their species," says PETA Youth Marketing Manager Emily Rodriguez. "All our entrants were already winners because they save animals' lives and prevent their suffering every time that they sit down to eat."

Ciera is very proud of her compassion for animals, which extends beyond the dinner table. Even at her tender age, she's a seasoned activist, having handed out leaflets and discussed animal rights with other children as well as adults. Her philosophy is very simple: Animals are her friends, and she doesn't eat her friends. She never argues or complains about not being able to have certain types of candy and other foods that her peers are eating because she knows that if something contains animal products, it means that an animal suffered. Ciera's "brothers" and "sisters" include two dogs, two cats, 10 rats, four mice, and one fish—all of whom were rescued.

Winners were selected based on several factors, including vote count. For more information, please visit PETAKids.com.

Group Urges Teens to Break Out of Bad Eating Habits to Keep Their Faces Clear and Cows From Suffering

For Immediate Release:
February 28, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Salt Lake City -- Teens and pimples go together, right? Not necessarily. According to a new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, there is increasing evidence of a connection between diet and acne, and one of the major villains is dairy products. So PETA is negotiating with Salt Lake City–area outdoor advertisers to erect a brand-new billboard that shows a teen with a milk mustache and reads, "Got Zits?"—a play on the old "Got Milk?" campaign. It goes on to say, "Studies show: Milk and cheese trigger acne. Ditch dairy." PETA plans to place the billboard at locations near high schools.

"The only people who benefit when teens drink milk from animals or eat dairy-based ice cream are dairy factory farmers and the makers of acne medication," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "With delicious products such as soy milk, rice milk, almond milk, nondairy ice cream, and faux cheeses on the market, kids don't have to sacrifice their complexion and overall health in order to eat the foods that they like."

A previous study by the Harvard School of Public Health—called the Nurses' Health Study II and involving more than 47,000 people—concluded that the consumption of milk and other dairy products significantly raised the incidence of acne. And Liz Vaccariello, fitness guru and former editor in chief of Prevention magazine, wrote that within six weeks of cutting back on drinking milk, her skin completely cleared of the blemishes that had been plaguing her. A dairy-free diet can also lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, and obesity in adults as well as allergies, ear infections, and juvenile-onset diabetes in children.

Teens aren't the only ones who suffer because of dairy consumption. Cows on dairy factory farms are genetically and chemically manipulated to produce unnaturally high quantities of milk, and as a result, many cows contract mastitis, a painful infection of the udder. Newborn calves are torn away from their mothers, and the males are sold to veal farms, where many are chained for months inside crates so small that they can't even turn around or lie down comfortably.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Healthy, Happy 6-Year-Old Wins a Shot at Stardom in His Own PETA Kids Ad

For Immediate Release:
March 4, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Fairfield, Iowa -- The Andersons have always known that their 6-year-old son, Vaughn,was one cute little dude, and now, so does everyone else. That's because he has been chosen as the male winner of PETA Kids 2013 Cutest Vegan Kids contest. Vaughn beat out more than 120 other kids 12 and younger in the inaugural year that the competition was limited to vegans, thanks to the fast-growing number of kids who don't eat meat or unhealthy and cruelly obtained eggs and dairy products. He has won a prize pack and the opportunity to appear in his very own PETAKids.com ad.

"Vaughn's radiance is no accident—it's the result of his healthy diet and his love and compassion for others, no matter their species," says PETA Youth Marketing Manager Emily Rodriguez. "All our entrants were already winners because they spare the suffering and lives of animals every time they sit down to eat."

Vaughn went vegan at 5, all on his own, after being raised as a vegetarian from birth. And after witnessing a group of people at the zoo taunt monkeys into throwing themselves repeatedly against the glass barrier of their small enclosure, he took it to the next level and is now an outspoken animal rights activist. He also no longer wants any part of zoos: "I wish there weren't any zoos," he says. "Animals should be in nature."

Vaughn's commitment to a vegan lifestyle has inspired his 4-year-old sister to stop eating eggs and dairy products, too. Moreover, by sharing his values and the book That's Why We Don't Eat Animals with others, no fewer than five adults in his life have gone either vegan or vegetarian. Vaughn's favorite food is black-bean and spinach enchiladas with Daiya nondairy cheese and vegan sour cream, and his favorite activities are climbing trees, drawing, and riding his bike.

Two winners (one boy and one girl) were selected based on several factors, including vote count. For more information, please visit PETAKids.com.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
March 4, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Milwaukee -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

As Winter Storm Saturn delivers snow and low temperatures to the Milwaukee area, would you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or white-outs by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

PETA's cold-weather public service announcement is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
March 4, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Eau Claire County, Wis. -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

As snow and low temperatures affect the greater Eau Claire area, would you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or white-outs by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

PETA's cold-weather public service announcement featuring Justin Theroux is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
March 4, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

La Crosse County, Wis. -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

As snow and low temperatures affect the greater La Crosse area, would you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or white-outs by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

PETA's cold-weather public service announcement featuring Justin Theroux is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

New Policy Ends Export of Monkeys From China to U.S. to Be Cut Up, Poisoned, and Killed in Cruel Experiments

For Immediate Release:
March 4, 2013

Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382

Chicago -- Following a PETA campaign that included public protests, a flood of phone calls, and hundreds of e-mails, China Eastern Airlines today informed PETA that it has ended  "transportation of laboratory primates as of Mar. 01, 2013."

Sources within the primate-experimentation industry recently confirmed that China Eastern Airlines had been the sole transporter of monkeys from China to overseas laboratories, following PETA’s successful efforts to persuade Air China and China Southern airlines to end the practice. China Eastern’s decision effectively ends all exports of primates from China for use in experiments. Until now, more than half of all monkeys imported to U.S. laboratories—more than 10,000 monkeys in 2012—came from China.

"China Eastern's right decision means thousands of monkeys will be spared poisoning, drug addiction, mutilations and death in foreign laboratories," says PETA Director of Laboratory Investigations Justin Goodman. "PETA will continue to pressure the three remaining airlines that still participate in this bloody trade."

In 2012, PETA protested outside China Eastern's office at Los Angeles International Airport, and in the past few months, PETA encouraged its members to call the airline's cargo offices in the United States, including in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York. The airline also received more than 100,000 protest e-mails from PETA supporters.

No North American airline transports primates to laboratories. Air France, Philippine Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines are the only remaining major airlines that transport primates destined for experiments.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Will Give Students a Feel for Intensive Confinement That May Have Them Going Vegan 

For Immediate Release:
March 5, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Athens, Ga. -- Most students at the University of Georgia (UGA) have probably never been to a factory farm, so peta2—PETA's youth division—is bringing factory farms to them. As part of a national college tour, the group will set up a 20-foot-by-30-foot inflatable tent, inside of which students can confine themselves to sow gestation crates—which are so small that pregnant pigs can't even turn around or take two steps—and watch "Glass Walls," a video exposé of the meat industry narrated by PETA pal Paul McCartney, who famously said, "If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegetarian." Students will also receive samples of vegan foods and free vegetarian/vegan starter kits with recipes and tips for helping the Earth, animals, and their own arteries by going meat- and dairy-free.

When:   Wednesday, March 6, and Thursday, March 7, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Where:  Tate Student Center Plaza, UGA campus, Athens

"College is the time to consider new ideas, and peta2's factory-farm display gives students an idea of how much suffering goes into a chicken nugget or a beef burger," says peta2 Director Marta Holmberg. "Once students see what cows, chickens, and other animals go through on factory farms, in transit, and in slaughterhouses, they'll want to load up their cafeteria trays with humane vegan selections."

Pigs, chickens, fish, and cows feel pain and fear just as intensely as do the animals who share our homes with us, yet they are abused in ways that would be illegal if dogs and cats were the victims. Chickens and turkeys have their throats cut while they're still conscious, piglets are castrated and have their tails cut off without being given any painkillers, and calves raised for their milk have their horns burned out of their skulls. On the decks of fishing boats, fish suffocate or are cut open while they're still alive.

For more information, please visit peta2.com.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
March 5, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Kankakee, Ill. -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leavedogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

With snow and low temperatures predicted for your area, will you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
• Wipe off your dogs' or cats' legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make your animals sick if they ingest them. You should also increase animals' food rations during the winter because they burn more calories in an effort to stay warm.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or white-outs by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

For TV:PETA's cold-weather public service announcement featuring Justin Theroux is available to link to or download here. For Print: PETA's cold-weather public service announcement is available to link to or download here. For Radio: PETA's cold-weather public service announcement is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
March 5, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Harrisonburg, Va. -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

As snow and low temperatures affect the greater Harrisonburg area, would you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
• Wipe off your dogs' or cats' legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make your animals sick if they ingest them. You should also increase animals' food rations during the winter because they burn more calories in an effort to stay warm.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or white-outs by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

PETA's cold-weather public service announcement featuring Justin Theroux is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
March 5, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Franklin County, Pa. -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

As snow and low temperatures affect the Franklin County area, would you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
• Wipe off your dogs' or cats' legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make your animals sick if they ingest them. You should also increase animals' food rations during the winter because they burn more calories in an effort to stay warm.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or white-outs by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

PETA's cold-weather public service announcement is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
March 5, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Adams County, Pa. -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

As snow and low temperatures affect the greater Gettysburg area, would you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
• Wipe off your dogs' or cats' legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make your animals sick if they ingest them. You should also increase animals' food rations during the winter because they burn more calories in an effort to stay warm.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or white-outs by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

PETA's cold-weather public service announcement is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Pacific Coast Feather Must Stop Telling Customers That Its Feathers Do Not Come From Birds Who Are Force-Fed, PETA Attorneys Say

For Immediate Release:
March 5, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Seattle -- PETA has fired off a letter to Pacific Coast Feather—the largest manufacturer of down- and feather-filled bedding in the United States—calling on the company to stop intentionally misleading its customers about the source of the feathers that it uses. As PETA explains, Pacific Coast has repeatedly told customers that "[w]e do not deal with vendors that practice force feeding," yet PETA has found that the company does, in fact, obtain feathers from Hudson Valley Foie Gras, where workers shove metal pipes down birds' throats and pump excess amounts of grain and fat into their stomachs to enlarge their livers.

"Pacific Coast has acknowledged to PETA that its bedding is filled with feathers taken from birds who were cruelly force-fed and killed for foie gras, and now it needs to be honest with its customers," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "Pacific Coast's false claim that it doesn't support this abuse is designed to mislead shoppers who are concerned about animal welfare."

During foie gras production, pipes are shoved down birds' throats, and up to 4 pounds of grain and fat are pumped into their stomachs two or three times a day. The birds' livers become diseased and swell to up to 10 times their normal size. The pipes puncture many birds' throats, causing some of them to bleed to death. Many foie gras farms boost their profits by selling the feathers from these force-fed birds, as revealed in a new PETA video exposé narrated by Alicia Silverstone.

Warm, animal-friendly bedding and winter clothing are available everywhere. PETA encourages shoppers to check labels for synthetic down, down alternative, polyester fill, or high-tech fabrics such as PrimaLoft® and Thinsulate™—soft, washable, down-like fibers. In most cases, these options are superior to down because synthetic alternatives will still insulate you when they get wet.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Tells PMK Not to Mislead Customers About Menagerie of Animals Beaten, Skinned, and Killed for Footwear

For Immediate Release:
March 5, 2013

Contact:
Wendy Wegner 202-483-7382

Cleveland -- PETA legal counsel has fired off a letter to Andre Scott, CEO of custom sneaker maker PMK, demanding that the company immediately stop issuing false and misleading statements about the animals killed for the "King Bey" sneakers that it created for Beyoncé. Although the shoes are made from calf hair and crocodile, anaconda, stingray, and ostrich skins—the products of industries that are notoriously cruel and obviously deadly—the company has publicly, and incredibly, claimed that "[n]o animals were beaten, harmed, or killed" for the sneakers.

"PMK must face up to the fact that a variety of species were slaughtered for these shoes or confront a consumer-fraud lawsuit," says PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. "The company's attempt to cover up this cruelty is as ludicrous as a fast-food chain telling customers, 'No cows were harmed in the making of our burgers.'"

In its letter, PETA points out that the suffering inflicted on animals by the exotic-skins industry is well documented in PETA video exposés such as "Cold-Blooded Horrors," narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, which shows hunters nailing live snakes to trees and slowly peeling the skins off the animals' writhing bodies, leaving them to suffer for hours until they die. The videos also show crocodiles being shot, stabbed, clubbed, or speared through the backs of their necks and ostriches having their feathers plucked, one by one, while they are still alive so that the quill holes will scab over. Then, they are electrocuted, hung upside down, and have their throats slit. Calves are typically taken from their mothers and confined to tiny crates to produce tender flesh for veal and soft, unblemished skin and hair.

This is the third consumer problem facing PMK: The company received an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau, and on January 23, Ohio's attorney general filed a lawsuit against PMK and Scott for violating customer-protection laws, alleging that consumers paid for but did not receive products or refunds from the company, totaling losses of more than $6,000.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
March 6, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Providence County, R.I. -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

As snow and low temperatures affect the greater Providence area, would you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
• Wipe off your dogs' or cats' legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make your animals sick if they ingest them. You should also increase animals' food rations during the winter because they burn more calories in an effort to stay warm.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or white-outs by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

PETA's cold-weather public service announcement featuring Justin Theroux is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
March 6, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

York, Pa. -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

With snow and low temperatures predicted for your area, will you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
• Wipe off your dogs' or cats' legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make your animals sick if they ingest them. You should also increase animals' food rations during the winter because they burn more calories in an effort to stay warm.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or white-outs by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

For TV:PETA's cold-weather public service announcement featuring Justin Theroux is available to link to or download here. For Print: PETA's cold-weather public service announcement is available to link to or download here. For Radio: PETA's cold-weather public service announcement is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
March 6, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Kent County, R.I. -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

As snow and low temperatures affect the greater Warwick area, would you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
• Wipe off your dogs' or cats' legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make your animals sick if they ingest them. You should also increase animals' food rations during the winter because they burn more calories in an effort to stay warm.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or white-outs by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

PETA's cold-weather public service announcement is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
March 6, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Long Island, N.Y. -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

As snow and low temperatures affect the Long Island area, would you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
• Wipe off your dogs' or cats' legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make your animals sick if they ingest them. You should also increase animals' food rations during the winter because they burn more calories in an effort to stay warm.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or white-outs by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

PETA's cold-weather public service announcement featuring Justin Theroux is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.