Police Nab PETA Award for Rescuing Dog From Highway

Officer Puglia Grabbed Lucky the Dog and Rushed Him to Emergency Veterinary Care

For Immediate Release:
September 30, 2019

Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Police Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Pinellas Park Police Department after Officer Joseph Puglia sprang into action to save a dog who’d been hit by a car on I-275 on September 19. Dashboard camera footage shows Puglia stopping his car and running to retrieve the dog, whom he wrapped in an emergency blanket and rushed to emergency veterinary care.

The dog, now named Lucky, had sustained minor injuries, and he’ll be available for adoption if no one comes forward to claim him. Capt. Adam Geissenberger tells PETA, “We are a very pet-friendly community, and we take pride in caring for all of our residents.” He adds, “We are also pleading with every pet owner to place collars with tags on their animal companions, microchip them, and spay and neuter them to help prevent pet overpopulation. We will always look out for our furry friends—but please help us do so by giving them the best chance to get home!”

“Officer Puglia’s lightning-quick actions spared this little dog a terrifying death on the highway,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “This lucky dog is now on the road to recovery, and PETA hopes his story will inspire everyone 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”—reminds all dog guardians to keep their animal companions near them on walks using a leash and a comfortable, secure harness and never to leave them outdoors unattended.

The Pinellas Park Police Department will receive a framed certificate, a letter of congratulations, and boxes of vegan cookies.

PETA opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.