Man Who Died Saving Sister’s Cat During Harvey Honored by PETA

Tree of Life Memorial Leaf Remembers Andrew Pasek for His Heroic Actions During the Hurricane

For Immediate Release:
September 25, 2017

Contact:
Audrey Shircliff 202-483-7382

IN LOVING MEMORY

ANDREW JOSEPH PASEK

ANIMAL LOVER AND HERO

That’s the message that will grace the Tree of Life memorial at PETA’s Norfolk, Virginia, headquarters in honor of Andrew Pasek, the 25-year-old Eagle Scout and Houston resident who passed away on the morning of August 29 while attempting to save the life of D’Artagnan, his sister’s cat.

D’Artagnan was trapped in her guardian’s flooded apartment, so Pasek took a risk and waded through 2-foot-deep floodwater to reach her—but he was electrocuted by a current flowing from a faulty wire. Throughout his life, he was known for rescuing stray dogs and cats, and his own adopted animal companions include two dogs, Mali and Coco, and his cat, Blu.

“The world lost a kind soul when Andrew Pasek lost his life to keep an animal from suffering,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA hopes his legacy of compassion will inspire people to care for animals during times of crisis.”

To help guardians ensure the safety of their animal companions during this hurricane season, PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—is offering urgently needed advice, including never leaving them chained outdoors, having them microchipped, and making sure that dog leashes and cat carriers are readily available in case of an emergency evacuation.

PETA’s hurricane-preparedness public-service announcement is available here. For more information, please visit PETA.org.