Merced Fire Department Receives PETA Award For Saving Puppy Stuck In A/C Duct

7-Week-Old Chihuahua Safe After Falling Two Stories Through a Vent

For Immediate Release:
July 27, 2016

Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way from PETA to the City of Merced Fire Department for its July 20 rescue of a 7-week-old Chihuahua named Lily, who fell through an uncovered air-conditioning vent in her family’s home, plummeted two floors into the basement, and became trapped. Firefighters from Truck 51 rushed to the scene and searched the ducts until they safely rescued the terrified puppy. Video taken from the rescue can be seen here.

“Merced firefighters’ compassion, determination, and ingenuity saved this beloved puppy’s life,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA reminds all canine caretakers to make sure that their homes are safe and secure, with no open holes or other hazards that might attract curious puppies.”

The Merced Fire Department 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 plant-based foods.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—reminds all animal guardians that they can further safeguard their homes by ensuring that no potentially poisonous plants, chemicals, or other materials are located where animals can reach them.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.