Turley and Tulsa Firefighters Receive PETA Awards for Dog Rescue

First Responders Retrieve Terrified Canine Trapped Inside Manhole

For Immediate Release:
July 16, 2015

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

PETA’s Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way to Turley Fire & Rescue and the Tulsa Fire Department for their speedy rescue of Big Boy the dog, who had fallen into a manhole. A passerby heard him barking and called in first responders, who quickly descended into the manhole with a ladder and retrieved the frightened dog. Big Boy was reunited with his family—who said that he had been missing for three days—and appeared to be unharmed.

“These courageous first responders were the difference between life and death for this lucky dog,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA encourages caring people to take this story as inspiration to come to the aid of animals in need.”

PETA, whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way,” is sending each department a framed certificate, a box of delicious vegan cookies, and a copy of The Engine 2 Diet—a Texas firefighter’s 28-day plan for staying in prime firefighting shape through plant-based meals.

PETA reminds all dog guardians to make sure that their yards are secure—with sturdy fencing, no potentially poisonous plants or other materials, and no open manholes or pipes. While outdoors, guardians should walk their animal companions with a leash and a comfortable, secure harness and keep a close eye on them.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.