Meowvelous! Local Man Nabs PETA Award for Saving Cats Stuck in Trees

For Immediate Release:
January 26, 2024

Contact:
Nicole Perreira 202-483-7382

For making sure that area cats can keep their nine lives, Steven Murrow of Tesla Tree Service is receiving a Compassionate Action Award from PETA. Murrow used his professional skills to rescue a whopping 39 cats, who were too scared or just plain unable to come down from high up in tall trees, last year, and already in 2024, he’s brought six cats back down to solid ground—all free of charge to their guardians. Murrow told PETA that he’s a “firm believer that kindness is contagious” and he hopes to inspire others to volunteer at their local animal shelter or adopt a companion animal (making sure they’re kept indoors and away from trees, of course!).

“Squirrels can rotate their ankles and climb down easily, while cats can’t and get hopelessly stuck—but thanks to Steven Murrow’s kindness and skill, dozens of cats have been saved from terrifying and potentially fatal ordeals,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA thanks him for being a true friend to felines and urges everyone to help by always keeping cats safe indoors and looking out for any animal who needs their help.”

In addition to becoming stuck in trees, cats who are allowed to roam outdoors are at risk of ingesting poison, contracting fatal diseases, facing abuse by cruel people, being hit by cars, or falling victim to many other potential dangers. That’s why PETA urges everyone to always keep cats indoors and stimulated with toys, climbing structures, cat TV, and other enrichment. The group offers a “cat guardian’s Bible” written by Newkirk and available for purchase here.

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 the group on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, or Instagram.