Derby Fire, Police Departments Receive PETA Award for Saving Dog Stuck Under House

First Responders Retrieve Dehydrated, Starving Dog Who Was Trapped for Nearly Two Weeks

For Immediate Release:
April 28, 2015

Contact:
Alexis Sadoti 202-483-7382

Awards are on their way from PETA to Derby Fire & Rescue and the Derby Police Department for leaping into action on April 16 when a dog named Lucy—who had been missing for 13 days—was found trapped beneath her home. Rescuers dug Lucy out from beneath the dirt and concrete under which she was stuck and rushed her to a veterinary hospital, where she was treated for dehydration, starvation, and eye damage. Miraculously, she survived her ordeal and is now recovering at home with her family.

“This dog spent a horrific 13 days trapped under concrete, waiting for someone to find and help her—and thanks to Derby’s first responders, she was reunited with her family just in time for her birthday,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes these rescuers’ immediate response will inspire others to come to the aid of animals in need.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—is sending both departments a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies.

PETA reminds all dog guardians to make sure that their yards are secure—with sturdy fencing, no potentially poisonous plants or other materials, and no open manholes or pipes—and to keep an eye on animals when they’re outside.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.