Pueblo Co. Sheriff Scores PETA Award for Asking Ranchers to Give Animals a Fighting Chance to Flee

For Immediate Release:
July 1, 2026

Contact:
Sara Groves 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Police Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office for urging ranchers unable to transport animals to safety to cut their fences so as to give cows, horses, and other animals a fighting chance to escape the fast-moving Aspen Acres fire.

The sheriff’s office issued the plea on June 29, after high winds caused the fire to spread across 23,000 acres in just 12 hours. Now at over 28,000 acres with 0% containment, the fire has destroyed dozens of structures and forced the evacuation of residents in Rye, Beulah, San Isabel, Bishop’s Castle, and other communities. Any animals unable to flee from the flames would surely have died.

“Terrified animals surrounded by fences face frightening, painful deaths when wildfires trap them, and the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office made the right call urging ranchers to help them escape,” says PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA urges other authorities and residents to follow their lead and do whatever is needed to protect those in distress from wildfires and reminds everyone to never leave animals behind during evacuations if at all possible.”

PETA notes that anyone who evacuates and intentionally abandons animals to fend for themselves may be prosecuted.Pueblo County authorities are directing those with transportation to a large-animal shelter at the Colorado State Fair, near the Gate 7 entrance. An evacuation center accepting small animals is open at the Pueblo County Recreation Center at 1650 Cooper Place. PETA offers the following lifesaving wildfire tips for animals:

• During evacuations, ranchers should cut fences and open stalls to allow cows, horses, and other large animals at least a fighting chance to escape.
• Small animals such as cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, and gerbils should be placed securely in carriers (birds should be covered), and dogs should be kept on a secure harness and leash. Take enough food for your animals to last several days.
• Residents in areas affected by smoke and falling ash should keep animals indoors and avoid all outdoor activities, such as running with dogs.
• Anyone who sees animals in danger or distress should assist if possible, but if unable to help, should note their exact location and alert authorities immediately.

The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office will receive a framed certificate and delicious vegan chocolates from PETA.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way”—points out that when it comes to the ability to feel pain, hunger, and thirst, a cow is a dog is a boy. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.