Jessamine County Fire District Receives PETA Award for Saving Dog in 40’-Deep Cave Shaft

For Immediate Release:
March 27, 2026

Contact:
Sara Groves 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Fire Department Awardis on its way from PETA to the Jessamine County Fire District for their quick and vital action in rescuing a dog named Foxy who had fallen down a nearly 40-foot-deep cave along Handys Bend Road in Wilmore on March 21.

After firefighters received a call from Foxy’s guardian around 10:45 a.m., they rapidly reached the scene and got to work. One rescuer was lowered into the cave on a rope, and once Foxy was secured, the crew pulled the two up using a rope haul system. Despite her frightening ordeal, Foxy was unharmed and reunited with her guardian.

This is the second time this month that first responders have rescued a dog from a nearly 40-foot hole in Jessamine County. On March 6, crews with the Jessamine County Fire District were fighting a structure fire when they received a call about a dog who had fallen into a hole in Highbridge. With help from the Wilmore Fire Department, the dog was rescued and taken to a veterinarian for evaluation.

“Foxy survived this harrowing experience thanks to the swift action of the Jessamine County Fire District,” says PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA encourages everyone to follow in their compassionate footsteps and always help when they see an animal in danger.”

PETA is sending a framed certificate to the Jessamine County Fire District, along with delicious vegan chocolates.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.