Lewisville Fire Department Receives PETA Award for Saving Ducklings Trapped in Drain

For Immediate Release:
July 1, 2026

Contact:
Alex Payne 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Lewisville Fire Department after firefighters sprang into action to rescue three baby ducks who had fallen into a drain on Thursday.

The firefighters noticed a mother duck quacking loudly and swimming frantically back and forth near a water overflow drain, so one of them walked over to investigate and discovered the tiny ducklings trapped inside, unable to climb out. The crew went into the drain and worked together to safely retrieve all the ducklings and reunite the babies with their anxious mother. After the family swam off safely, the firefighters used rocks to create a barrier around the drain to prevent any future ducklings from falling in.

“These baby ducks faced a terrifying ordeal stuck inside a deep, dark drain, but are now safely back with their mother thanks to the kindness and quick thinking of the Lewisville Fire Department,” says PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA hopes this story will inspire everyone to always be on the lookout for animals in need.”

The Lewisville Fire Department will receive a framed certificate from PETA, along with delicious vegan chicken and turkey sandwiches, in recognition of their kindness to birds.

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.