Middleton and Star Firefighters Receive PETA Award for Dramatic Parrot Rescue

First Responders Heed Birds’ Calls of ‘Help!’ and ‘Fire!’ During House Fire

For Immediate Release:
April 23, 2015

Contact:
Alexis Sadoti 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way from PETA to the firefighters of the Middleton Rural Fire District and Star Fire Protection District, which responded to a house fire in Middleton on Friday, April 17. Hearing cries of “help” and “fire,” firefighters followed the voices and used a thermal imaging scanner to find two parrots, whom they quickly pulled to safety. The birds were given oxygen and are expected to make a full recovery.

“When these intelligent parrots cried out for help, these brave firefighters listened,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes this rescue will inspire others always 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”—encourages all animal guardians to put a sign on doors or windows to alert rescue workers to the presence of dogs, cats, birds, and other animal companions. Families can order stickers from the PETA Catalog or make their own.

The firefighters of the Middleton Rural Fire District and Star Fire Protection District will receive 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 by eating a plant-based diet.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.