Elderly Woman Who Died Trying to Save Stranded Cat Receives Posthumous PETA Award

PETA Member Was Known for Her All-Encompassing Compassion

For Immediate Release:
February 2, 2010

Contact:
Virginia Fort 757-622-7382

Putney, Vt. -- Cynthia Long, 75, who was struck and killed by a car as she tried to rescue a cat stranded on a highway, will receive a posthumous Compassionate Citizen Award from PETA, one of her favorite charities. The award will be presented to Ms. Long's family. Ms. Long will also be commemorated by having her name added to PETA's Tree of Life monument at the group's headquarters in Norfolk, Va. Ms. Long was a devoted PETA member who was well respected for her kindness to all and was known as an animal lover to the core.

According to news reports, at about 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 31, Ms. Long spotted a cat stranded on the median of Interstate Highway 91 near Dummerston. She pulled her car over to the shoulder, proceeded to cross the highway, and was struck by a car in the passing lane.

"Cynthia died trying to help another individual in trouble," says PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. "The death of such a caring soul is a loss not only to family and friends but also to the community. We hope that the example of love and courage she set in coming to the aid of even the smallest and most vulnerable will inspire others to help animals in distress."

Ms. Long's family will receive a framed certificate along with a note of appreciation from PETA.

For more information, please visit PETA.org or PETA's blog.