Sheriff’s Office Nabs PETA Award for Saving Cat Frozen to Boat Dock

Sheriff Ernie Kelty Rescued Animal From Deadly Predicament

For Immediate Release:
January 11, 2018

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Police Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, which sprang into action on the morning of January 2, after Roy and Laurie Jasper called 911 to report that a cat seemed to be frozen to their boat dock. Sheriff Ernie Kelty reported to the scene and, on the advice of the local fire department, applied warm water, slowly and carefully freeing the cat’s paws and fur from the dock. He wrapped the animal up in a sweatshirt and took him indoors to warm up—and the Jaspers decided to adopt him and name him Ernie in his rescuer’s honor.

“Sheriff Kelty had the kindness and patience that it took to save this cat from freezing to death alone on a dock,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “His namesake is now safe and warm indoors, and PETA hopes little Ernie’s story will inspire everyone to look out for animals in need, especially during the dangerous winter months.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—notes that the safest place for feline companions is indoors. Cats who are allowed to roam outdoors may contract diseases such as feline AIDS, be hit by cars, be intentionally harmed by cruel humans, or end up in dangerous predicaments like Ernie’s.

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office will receive a framed certificate, a box of delicious vegan cookies, and a letter of congratulations.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.