Portsmouth Firefighters, Police Receive PETA Awards for Rescuing Cat From Fire

Unconscious 17-Year-Old Animal Resuscitated, Recovering Nicely

For Immediate Release:
October 26, 2012

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382 

Portsmouth, N.H. -- On the morning of October 23, the Portsmouth Fire Department responded to a fire at a historic house in the South End. Although the owners weren't home, a neighbor told the firefighters that the family's 17-year-old cat, Tiki Bear, was trapped inside. When firefighters located Tiki Bear in the basement, she wasn't breathing. Fortunately, the rescuers were equipped with oxygen masks specially designed for cats, dogs, and other animals and were able to revive Tiki Bear—to the cheers of onlookers. Officers with the Portsmouth Police Department transported Tiki Bear to a veterinary emergency center, where she is reportedly making progress in her recovery.

For their heroic rescue of little Tiki Bear and for wasting no time in seeking lifesaving medical care, Portsmouth firefighters will receive PETA's Compassionate Fire Department Award, and the police will receive PETA's Compassionate Police Department Award.

"Portsmouth's bravest and finest are also some of Portsmouth's kindest and best prepared," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "We hope that the compassion and know-how that these firefighters and police officers showed will inspire others always to come to the aid of animals in need."

The fire department and the police department will each receive a letter of appreciation, a framed certificate, and a box of vegan chocolates.

New Hampshire firefighters have been recognized by PETA twice this year. In May, the Manchester Fire Department received a Compassionate Action Award for rescuing a dog who had been swept away in the Merrimack River.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.