Media Invite: Firefighters to Receive PETA Award for Saving Dogs From House Fire

Rescuers Administered Oxygen to Unconscious Animals

For Immediate Release:
March 24, 2017

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

In honor of Abingdon Volunteer Fire & Rescue’s successful efforts to save two dogs trapped in a burning Gloucester County home this week, PETA will present the firefighters with a Compassionate Fire Department Award on Monday.

When:    Monday, March 27, 3 p.m.

Where:    Abingdon Volunteer Fire & Rescue, 2676 Hayes Rd., Hayes, VA 23072

When firefighters responded to the fire on March 20, the home’s human residents weren’t there—but firefighters acted quickly to find one cat and two dogs, one of whom was hiding behind the sofa, and rushed the unconscious animals outside. Although the crew was unable to revive the cat, medics succeeded in administering oxygen to resuscitate the dogs.

“This family could have lost absolutely everything in this fire, but thanks to Abingdon Volunteer Fire & Rescue, they were reunited with their beloved dogs,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes the firefighters’ kindness will inspire people everywhere to come to the aid of animals in need.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—encourages all guardians to put a sign on their doors or windows to alert rescue workers to the presence of dogs, cats, and other companion animals. Families can order stickers from the PETA Catalog or make their own.

PETA will present the firefighters with a package of the fire-alert stickers, a framed certificate, a box of delicious vegan cookies, and a copy of The Engine 2 Diet, a Texas firefighter’s 28-day plan for improving one’s health by eating plant-based meals.

Photos will be available after the award is presented. For more information, please visit PETA.org.