Helicopter Rescue of Horse From Ravine Nets PETA Award for First Responders

Animal Who Fell 150 Feet From Angeles National Forest Cliff Is Airlifted to Safety

For Immediate Release:
March 24, 2016

Contact:
Lakisha Ridley 202-483-7382

For their heroic rescue of a horse who fell 150 feet from a cliff into a ravine at Angeles National Forest, the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles City Fire Department Air Operations Unit will each receive a Compassionate Fire Department Award from PETA. First responders rushed to the scene near the San Fernando Valley and determined that a hoist operation was necessary. Crews removed thick brush to clear a path and placed a harness on the horse, who was sedated and had his eyes and ears covered to minimize distress while being airlifted to a nearby ranch (video here). Astonishingly, the horse had no injuries and began neighing shortly after coming out of anesthesia.

“These courageous first responders pulled out all the stops to make sure that this horse was safe and reunited with his family,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes that this dramatic rescue will remind everyone of the importance of coming to the aid of animals in need.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—is sending the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles City Fire Department Air Operations Unit a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.