Off-Duty Police Officer Nets PETA Award for Saving Dog From House Fire

Sgt. Jonathan Hall Kicked Down the Door to Search the Flame-Engulfed Home

For Immediate Release:
March 7, 2017

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Action Award is on its way from PETA to Leland police officer Sgt. Jonathan Hall, who was off duty on Sunday, February 26, when he got a call from the station that his neighbor’s house was on fire. He knew that the family’s dog, Kia, was inside—so he immediately ran over, kicked down the front door, and began searching for her through the smoke and flames.

Hall searched through the blazing home with no luck—but when he stepped outside to catch his breath, the dog came running out through the door that he had kicked down. The home was destroyed, and the family lost their other animal companions—fish and a hermit crab—but Kia escaped unharmed.

“Thanks to Sgt. Jonathan Hall’s unhesitating bravery, a family who had already lost so much was reunited with their beloved canine companion,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes his courage and determination will inspire others to come to the aid of those in need.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—encourages all guardians to put a sign on their doors or windows to alert rescue workers to the presence of dogs, cats, and other companion animals. Families can order stickers from the PETA Catalog or make their own.

PETA is sending Hall a package of the stickers to distribute to his community, along with a letter of congratulations, a framed certificate, and a box of delicious vegan cookies.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.