New York Police Department Nabs PETA Award for Rescuing Dog Stuck Under Subway Train

For Immediate Release:
October 28, 2025

Contact:
Hannah Nelson 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Police Department Award is on its way from PETA to the New York Police Department (NYPD) in recognition of officers’ kindness and determination in rescuing a frightened dog stuck under a subway train during the morning rush hour on Thursday.

The dog, named Moose, reportedly got loose and was struck by a subway train before hiding under one of its cars, but was not seriously injured. Bodycam footage posted to the NYPD’s Instagram shows officers from the department’s Special Operations Bureau calling out to Moose before retrieving him from the tracks and pulling him to safety. NYPD Transit officers helped reunite Moose with his guardian.

“This dog trapped in a terrifying predicament was swiftly rescued from the subway tracks and returned to his guardian thanks to the determination of these compassionate officers,” says PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA encourages everyone to follow their example by never hesitating to help an animal in danger.”

Moose’s rescue came just weeks after NYPD officers came to the aid of a small kitten trapped under a food truck near Central Park. Officer Frank Squillante, who gently pulled the frightened feline to safety, later adopted the kitten, calling the rescue “a sign we were meant to be connected.” Squillante—who has since named his new companion Cheech—will receive a care package from PETA filled with cat toys and a “cat guardian’s bible,” written by PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk, in thanks for the kind act.

PETA is sending a framed certificate to the New York Police Department, as well as delicious vegan chocolates to the Special Operations Bureau and the Transit Bureau for playing vital roles in Moose’s rescue.

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.