Mantua Police Receive PETA Award for Rescuing Woman, Dog From Icy Reservoir

Pair Narrowly Escape Death From Hypothermia, Thanks to Officer’s Actions

For Immediate Release:
December 2, 2015

Contact:
Lakisha Ridley 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Police Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Mantua Police Department, which came to the rescue on Sunday morning after Rebecca Peterson fell through the ice on the Mantua Reservoir while trying to retrieve one of her dogs from the icy water. Officer Brad Nelson risked his life by walking out on the ice to get a water-rescue device to Peterson, who lifted her dog to safety before climbing out of the water herself.

Dramatic video from the rescue shows that although Peterson was in the icy water for more than 20 minutes, her first concern was the safety of her dogs—and law-enforcement officials on the scene made sure that everyone was cared for. A volunteer firefighter took the dogs to her own home while Peterson was treated for hypothermia at the hospital. She has since been released and reunited with her dogs.

“Thanks to these compassionate and courageous officers, this woman and her two beloved dogs survived their life-threatening ordeal and made it home, safe and sound,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes this story will inspire others 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”—reminds all dog guardians to keep their animal companions near them on walks with a leash and a comfortable, secure harness and to keep a close eye on animals when they’re outdoors.

The police department will receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan chocolates.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.