After Skunk’s Narrow Escape, Miami U. Gets Can-Crushing Advisory Offer

PETA Sends Thank-You Gift to Oxford Police Who Freed Skunk From Beer Can

For Immediate Release:
September 22, 2014

Contact:
Alexis Sadoti 202-483-7382

Officers with the Oxford Police Department rescued a skunk whose head had become trapped in a beer can near a fraternity house at Miami University earlier this month, and PETA sent a letter this morning to Miami University President David C. Hodge offering to rush a pack of warning signs to post near campus recycling bins. The posters (available here) show a raccoon whose head is stuck in a tin can and proclaim, “Don’t Let This Happen Again. Please Crush ALL Cans for the Safety of Our Animal Friends.”

“Aluminum cans, plastic cups, and open jars can become death traps for hungry or inquisitive animals if they aren’t disposed of properly,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA’s posters would reduce the risk to wildlife by reminding Miami University students and faculty that they can help raccoons, skunks, and other animals simply by sealing jars and crushing cans before they recycle them.”

PETA—whose motto reads, “Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way”—has also sent a thank-you card, along with an assortment of delicious vegan cookies, to the Oxford Police Department in recognition of the officers’ compassionate effort to free the frightened skunk.

A full range of tips to help protect wildlife is available on PETA’s website. I can be reached at 202-540-2202 or [email protected] if you have any questions.

PETA’s letter to Miami University President David C. Hodge follows.

September 22, 2014
David C. Hodge
President
Miami University
501 E. High St.
Oxford, OH 45056

Dear Dr. Hodge:
I am writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 3 million members and supporters, including thousands across Ohio, in response to a recent incident in which police were called to Miami University to assist a skunk whose head had become stuck in a carelessly discarded can. Although we’re happy that authorities were able to help in this case, countless animals each year are not so lucky. To help prevent future tragedies, may we enlist your help on campus? I would be pleased to send a supply of PETA’s “Don’t Let This Happen Again” signs, which could be placed around Miami’s campus to remind students and other people always to crush cans before disposing of them.

Aluminum cans, plastic cups, and open jars that are not disposed of properly can become traps for hungry or inquisitive animals. Simply placing these potentially lifesaving signs in dining halls, residence halls, Greek housing, and classrooms would encourage both environmental stewardship and compassion for animals.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Jodi Minion
Wildlife Biologist/Issues Manager
Cruelty Investigations Department