Washington Township Police Lauded for Saving Dog From Pond

PETA Recognizes First Responders for Kayaking out to Canine in Need

For Immediate Release:
July 13, 2020

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Police Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Washington Township Police Department, which sprang into action on the morning of July 8 to save a dog named Akela who was stuck in a mucky pond near Brass Castle Road. Officers used a kayak to paddle out to her, untangled her from submerged weeds, and carefully took her back to solid ground. She was uninjured and has since been reunited with her family.

“If these kind deputies hadn’t intervened, this dog likely would have become exhausted from treading water and drowned,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes this story will inspire others to keep an eye out for animals in need—and not to hesitate to call in the help of first responders.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—reminds all dog guardians to ensure that their yards are secure, with sturdy fencing, no potentially poisonous plants or other materials, and no open manholes or pipes. While outdoors, they should keep their animal companions on a leash and a comfortable, secure harness and keep a close eye on them.

The Washington Township Police Department will receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies.

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