Save 15% to 40% storewide at the PETA Shop—this week only!
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See Me Not Meat (Chicken)
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PETA Statement: Lake County Prosecutor’s Office Requests Investigation Into Deaths of K-9s in Hot Box Truck
The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office has requested that the Indiana State Police investigate the heat-related deaths of at least eight dogs who were being transported by FMK9 inside an unventilated box truck to a training facility last month. Please see the following statement from PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch:
Nothing can bring back the dogs who slowly baked to death inside an airless, hot truck, but this is a step in the right direction toward ensuring that those responsible for their terrible suffering are held accountable and that preventive measures are put in place to avoid a devastating repeat. PETA joined the Humane Society of Hobart and the Lake Station community in pushing for this third-party investigation and trusts that the Indiana State Police (which has previously purchased K-9s from this company) will proceed with due diligence, for the sake of the dogs, the public’s faith, and the law.
Nearly 20 dogs were apparently left to bake in 91-degree heat—a temperature at which the inside of a vehicle can reach 110 degrees in 10 minutes—while the driver sat in traffic for hours. According to reports, when he finally pulled over, several dogs were already dead—and although representatives of the Humane Society of Hobart were on the scene almost immediately, the Lake Station Police Department blocked them from assisting the distressed dogs, forcing rescuers who had access to multiple air-conditioned vehicles to stand by as dogs suffered. The police then allowed the driver to leave the scene with both deceased and live dogs unsecured in the open back of the truck. PETA has discovered that Lake Station Police Chief James Richardson apparently had an existing relationship with the owner and operator of the company that was transporting the dogs, Mike McHenry of FMK9.
In the weeks that followed the incident, PETA called out the Lake Station Police Department for censoring public comments calling for justice for the dogs. The group sent a letter to City Attorney Frank J. Koprcina and Richardson warning them that the department’s practice of deleting, hiding, and restricting critical social media comments about the incident was a violation of the First Amendment. The group also led supporters in a demonstration outside Lake Station City Hall, calling for an independent investigation.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information on PETA’s investigative newsgathering and reporting, please visit PETA.org, listen to The PETA Podcast, or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
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Did You Know Dogs and Cats Can Get Sunburned? Learn the Facts
Just like humans, dogs and cats can develop sunburn—and too much sun exposure can lead to various types of cancer. Learn how to help your animal companions stay cool and sunburn-free this summer.
Can Dogs Get Sunburns? Yes! Here’s How You Can Help Prevent It
Dogs with short fur or pink skin under their coats are more likely to get sunburned than long-furred, dark-skinned ones, but any dog could experience it if they’re left outside in the sun too long. When outside, keep an eye on their ears, nose, and belly for pink or reddening skin—these are the spots that are the most prone to sunburn on dogs. If you notice mild sunburn on them, you can apply a dime-sized dollop of aloe vera gel to the affected area. If your dog exhibits discomfort or the irritated spot is red, a vet visit would be necessary.
To limit the risk of sun exposure, walk your dog either in the early morning before the sun is high in the sky or in the evening as it sets. These times of day have the coolest weather, helping to keep your animal companion safe from the dangers of extreme heat.
If a lot of sun is unavoidable, like when you and your dog are at an animal-friendly beach or on a hike, consider investing in dog-friendly sunscreen, dog vests, and other lightweight, breathable sun-blocking clothes. However, any extra layers could cause them to overheat in warm weather, so nix the clothes if your dog is panting heavily or seems uncomfortable, as these are warning signs of heatstroke.
Cats Can Suffer From Sunburn, Too
Responsible cat guardians know the dangers that come with allowing a cat to roam outside, but even cats who live indoors can get sunburned. Window lounging is the activity that comes with the biggest risk. If you notice reddening or flaky skin on your feline friend, consider UV-blocking windows, solar shades, or a UV curtain to help limit the risk of your cat’s sunbathing time.
Catios (patios for cats) are an awesome way to let your cat enjoy a change of scenery without the dangers they—and local wildlife—face when outside without supervision. PETA’s guide to catio-building will help you every step of the way, but just make sure that the set-up area you choose offers plenty of shade. When choosing building materials, be sure to account for ventilation. Once the catio is complete, avoid letting your cat use it during the hottest times of day to help prevent overheating and sunburn.
Help a ‘Backyard Dog’ This Summer
Many animal companions are left unattended outside all year round and forced to suffer through scorching heat in the summer and devastating cold in the winter. You can help “backyard dogs” by sponsoring a PETA doghouse today. Another effective way to help them is by working with elected representatives to pass ordinances that ban or restrict chaining. To get started, see what current legislation on tethering dogs exists in your community.
Dogs should never be left outside unattended, but when they’re outside and deprived of access to water or shelter, the situation becomes an emergency—and local authorities should be contacted immediately. If they are unresponsive, contact PETA for help. Dogs’ well-being—if not their lives—could depend on you.
If you see a chained dog in your area whose situation is not an emergency, read PETA’s tips on how to help them:
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Feds Cite SeaQuest After PETA Reports Wallaby Lunged at Child’s Face
After PETA alerted the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to a Facebook video showing a wallaby lunging at a child’s face at SeaQuest Las Vegas, a newly released report reveals that the agency cited the beleaguered facility over the incident, noting that “there was not sufficient distance or a barrier between the animal and the child to prevent potential injury.” During a feeding encounter, the wallaby jumped on a young boy who was trying to feed him. According to the USDA, the incident went unreported by SeaQuest staff.
Visitors at SeaQuest Las Vegas touch wallabies in a public encounter.
“A wallaby who was likely distressed by SeaQuest’s day-in, day-out public encounters lunged at a child’s face, which was predictable and preventable,” says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Michelle Sinnott. “This incident underscores just how dangerous it is for SeaQuest to allow contact with wild animals—and PETA is urging people to stay away and the USDA to terminate its license.”
PETA notes that SeaQuest Las Vegas has a history of injuries, including to children. A mother reported on Yelp that her son’s face and eye were scratched by a coatimundi and that an ambulance was called to take him to the hospital, a kinkajou bit an employee, and a small-clawed otter bit an employee during a presentation.
Earlier this month, the chain’s operation in Trumbull, Connecticut, shuttered following numerous complaints from PETA and after it had racked up multiple USDA citations, including for incidents in which a staffer hit an otter with a metal bowl, rabbits were left without food or water, an otter bit a child, and enclosures were filled with feces and debris. PETA wants the chain’s other locations—including the one in Las Vegas—to follow suit.
PETA’s motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment,” and the group opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information on PETA’s investigative newsgathering and reporting, please visit PETA.org, listen to The PETA Podcast, or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
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