Because overnight temperatures are expected to drop into the 30s this weekend — endangering the lives of animals kept chained or penned outdoors — PETA will host straw giveaways in Jackson and Ahoskie on Saturday. 

Residents will be able to pick up one free bag of insulating straw bedding per dog or call PETA’s Community Animal Project at 1-800-566-9768 to make delivery arrangements if they’re unable to attend.

“Any dog left outdoors in the winter is sure to feel cold, lonely, miserable, and desperate,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “Although the best way to keep dogs warm and safe is by keeping them indoors as family, PETA is offering these dogs a small measure of protection to make the winter season more bearable.”

The events Saturday are as follows:

Northampton County Health Department parking lot, 9495 NC-305, Jackson, from 10 a.m. to noon or while supplies last

Albemarle Regional Health Services parking lot, 828 S. Academy Street, Ahoskie, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. or while supplies last