5 min read
When animals are forced to spend the hottest days of the year outside without shade, fresh water, or companionship, PETA’s fieldworkers do everything they can to help them. Find out how we helped local families keep and care for their companions, meet some of the many animals we rescued, and so much more from the summer of 2024.
1. We Hosted Free Spay/Neuter Events
Veterinary staff on our mobile spay/neuter clinics sterilized a whopping 2,794animal companions this summer. PETA’s Community Animal Project fieldworkers even drove Melo, Eclipse, Snoopy, and 233 other animals to their no-cost spay/neuter appointments.
We also traveled to Southwest Virginia for a three-day spay/neuter event in partnership with the local Twin County Humane Society. We provided free microchip services and spay/neuter surgeries to 167 dogs and cats—bringing the total number of animals we’ve sterilized in the underserved region this year to 396.
2. We Improved the Lives of Dogs Like Lebron and Bandit Who Are Forced to Live Outside 24/7
PETA helped dogs like Lebron and Bandit, who are kept chained or penned outdoors 24/7, beat the heat. Since Lebron didn’t have access to shade, PETA fieldworkers installed an A-frame tarp on top of his pen. We also gave him and the other dogs we visited food, water, shelter, and treatment for fleas, ticks, and flystrike.
After we neutered Bandit, who was kept tethered outside with only a wire crate, we provided him with a sturdy wooden doghouse. We delivered custom-built, insulated doghouses to 41 other dogs in need of shelter this summer.
3. We Helped Relieve the Suffering of These Animals in Need
When Brady’s guardians contacted PETA on a Saturday, they had already been turned away by their local animal shelter and were unable to find a veterinarian who would assist them. The senior dog was arthritic, unable to stand, anxious, confused, and blind. He was among the 193 animals we euthanized this summer at no cost to families who couldn’t access this vital, humane service.
We were thrilled that 1,129 families sent postcards to their elected officials in support of our services, including compassionate euthanasia—a service that only PETA provides for free in the region.
4. We Gave Chico and Pooch a Much-Needed Spaw Day
One of the 568 requests for assistance that PETA received was for Pooch, whose guardian couldn’t afford grooming services. Our fieldworker shaved off a thick blanket of matted fur, immediately making Pooch more comfortable and able to stay cool in the warm weather.
We also provided grooming assistance for Chico, whose guardian needed help trimming his overgrown nails. We assisted 251 families like Chico’s and Pooch’s keep and care for their animal companions this summer.
5. PETA Fieldworkers Helped Give These Dogs and Cats a Chance for Adoption
This summer, PETA found homes for many animal companions, including Garth, Amy Swinehouse, Beau, and Rusty.
We secured relinquishment of Remi, who was found tied up outside on a leash, with nothing but a wire crate for “shelter.”
We transferred him to the Peninsula SPCA in Newport News, Virginia, where he was adopted the next day.
We rescued Scarlett, a German shepherd with a thick double coat who was struggling to survive in the summer heat and humidity. She was transferred to the Virginia Beach SPCA and adopted.
We transferred 122 companion animals like Remi and Scarlett to our shelter partners for adoption this summer.
How You Can Help
Support PETA fieldworkers’ vital work to care for “backyard dogs” with a generous donation. You can also advocate for tethering bans in your community, joining thousands of other caring individuals across the U.S., and work 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, food, or shelter, the situation becomes an emergency—and local authorities should be contacted immediately. If they’re unresponsive, contact PETA for help. Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may face criminal charges. Dogs’ well-being—even their lives—could depend on you.
