Compassionate Actions Earn Kudos From PETA

For Immediate Release:
September 24, 2009

Contact:
Danielle Katz 757-622-7382

Louisville, Ky. -- Louisville restaurant server Kelsey Westbrook was at work near the Clark Memorial Bridge on July 26 when a man threw a dog into the Ohio River. Westbrook ran down to the river's edge along with local firefighters and coaxed the dog to safety. She later adopted the dog, who is now called Sunny. For her efforts, Westbrook will receive a Compassionate Action Award from PETA.

"Thanks to Kelsey's quick thinking, Sunny is alive and safe in a loving home," says PETA Director Daphna Nachminovitch. "We hope that Kelsey's compassionate action will inspire others to intervene when they see animals in distress."
 
PETA commends not only Westbrook for her quick and kindhearted action but also the Louisville criminal justice system for recognizing the seriousness of the offense. Not only did local authorities charge the accused with cruelty to animals, they also held firm on his $10,000 bond.

Westbrook will receive a framed certificate and some dog treats for Sunny.

For more information, please visit PETA's blog.