Missouri Firefighters Receive PETA Award for Rescuing Dog From Icy Pond

First Responders Save Beloved Canine From Chilling Fate

For Immediate Release:
March 16, 2015

Contact:
Alexis Sadoti 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way to the Wright City Fire Protection District for its courageous rescue of a dog who fell through the ice on a frozen pond 15 feet from shore. Rescuers arrived at the scene in less than 10 minutes, and a crew member was able to pull the animal to safety after spending nearly 15 minutes in the frigid water breaking up the ice to reach him. The dog was reunited with his grateful family, which was waiting on the shore, and is now resting at home.

“These firefighters’ quick thinking made all the difference for this lucky dog,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes this will inspire others to take a page from the firefighters’ book and always come to the aid of animals in need.”

In recognition of the rescuers’ efforts, PETA is sending the district a framed certificate, a box of delicious vegan chocolates, and a copy of The Engine 2 Diet, a Texas firefighter’s 28-day plan for staying in prime firefighting shape by eating a plant-based diet.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—encourages all dog guardians to keep their animal companions safely on a leash when outdoors and offers more tips for helping animals on its website.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.