MTA Nabs PETA Award for Halting Trains to Rescue Cats

Group Recognizes NYC Transit Company for Braking for Animals

For Immediate Release:
October 17, 2016

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Business Award is on its way from PETA to the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) New York City Transit in recognition of its policy to stop trains in order to save animals on the tracks. The award follows two recent incidents in which the MTA halted the 7 train to rescue cats: One feline was whisked to safety on October 2 in the Times Square station, and the other—a kitten, now nicknamed “Seven”—was rescued on October 9 along the tracks at Fifth Avenue after commuters alerted a conductor and pushed the emergency-brake button.

“PETA is recognizing the MTA for being on the right track when it comes to helping animals in need,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “Everyone can be a hero for animals by adopting from a local shelter and always spaying and neutering.”

More than 6 million unwanted cats and dogs enter U.S. animal shelters every year, and roughly half are euthanized because there aren’t enough good homes. That’s why PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—urges all prospective guardians of animal companions to adopt them from shelters, not pet stores or breeders—and, of course, to be sure to have them spayed or neutered.

The MTA will receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies from PETA.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.