Clinton Fire Department Nabs PETA Award for Rescuing Dog From Frozen River

For Immediate Release:
December 16, 2024

Contact:
Maddy Missett 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Clinton Fire Department in recognition of their teams’ bravery in saving a dog who fell through ice and was struggling to stay afloat in the Kennebec River near River Road. The crew—aided by Fairfield-Benton Emergency Services and the Skowhegan Fire Department—put on rescue suits and entered the frigid water to save the dog, named Dunkin, who was unharmed and reunited with his guardians.

“This dog was minutes away from a terrifying death in icy waters, but thanks to the Clinton Fire Department’s quick action and determination, he’s safe and warm back at home with his family,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA encourages everyone to follow their example by acting swiftly whenever they see an animal in need.”

The department will receive a framed certificate and vegan chocolates from PETA.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.