Arkansas City Police Nab PETA Award for Saving Dog Found Hanging From Car

Officers Rush to Free Dog Dangling by Leash From Vehicle in Parking Lot

For Immediate Release:
July 19, 2016

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Police Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Arkansas City Police Department after officers rushed to save a dog who was hanging by his leash from the window of a pickup truck in the Walmart parking lot at 2701 N. Summit St. on July 8. Sgt. Jason Legleiter and Officer Wade Hammond were making an arrest for shoplifting when they were alerted to the dangling dog, whose leash had been tied to a seatbelt. Using a knife, they quickly removed his collar and lay him on the ground. The officers remained by his side and petted him for 10 to 15 minutes, fearing that he was deceased, until he awoke with a wagging tail and began drinking water.

“These police officers acted with no time to lose, and their quick thinking saved this dog from a horrific death,” says PETA Senior Vice President of Communications Lisa Lange. “PETA reminds everyone never to leave a dog tied up in a vehicle or wearing a leash or choke collar, as fatal accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.”

In addition, PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—reminds all dog guardians never to leave a dog tethered outside in the summer heat, especially in a car, which can quickly become a death trap. On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to between 100 and 120 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes.

The Arkansas City Police Department will receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.