Tacoma Police Department Nabs PETA Award for Rescuing Dog Stranded on Rocks

For Immediate Release:
May 8, 2025

Contact:
Sara Groves 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Police Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Tacoma Police Department in recognition of officers’ kindness and determination in rescuing a frightened dog trapped on rocks along the shoreline at Chinese Reconciliation Park on April 19.

A passerby who heard barking found the dog stranded on the rocks and alerted police. When officers arrived, they were able to use a tarp to hoist the stuck dog to safety. In a Facebook post recounting the rescue, Tacoma Police shared that the dog was reunited with their family at a local animal shelter.

“This dog trapped in a terrifying predicament was swiftly rescued from the cold, wet rocks and returned home thanks to the quick-thinking of these compassionate officers,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA encourages everyone to follow their example by taking immediate action whenever they see an animal in need.”

The Tacoma Police Department will receive a framed certificate along with delicious 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.