Volunteer Firefighter Nets PETA Award for Saving Dog From House Fire

Kyle Berger Entered Burning Home Just in Time to Rescue Crated Dog

For Immediate Release:
November 10, 2017

Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Action Award is on its way from PETA to longtime volunteer firefighter Kyle Berger, who was in the right place at the right time on November 3, when he happened to drive past a burning house in Haysville. Berger pulled over and banged on the windows before entering the house through an unlocked door. Inside, he discovered a small, terrified dog whimpering from inside a locked kennel. He rushed the dog outside to safety. No injuries to humans were reported, but a bird who was trapped farther inside the home did not survive.

“Thanks to Kyle Berger’s quick actions and unhesitating bravery, this terrified trapped dog was spared an agonizing death,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “Situations like this one are exactly why PETA urges everyone never to lock dogs in crates and always to keep an eye out for animals in need.”

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

PETA is sending Berger 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.

More information about crating dogs and protecting companion animals in emergencies is available at PETA.org.