Chicago Police Nab PETA Award for Saving Dog From Lake Michigan

Rookie Cop Races to Pull Animal From the Water

For Immediate Release:
June 15, 2017

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Police Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Chicago Police Department, which was responding to a car accident on Lake Shore Drive on Tuesday morning when officers spotted a stray dog drinking from Lake Michigan—and then heard him fall in and saw him struggle, unable to climb back out.

Officer Juan Farris—who’d been on the job for only six weeks—heard the splash and ran over as fast as he could to grab the dog and lift him to safety. He and Officer Daniel Guzman placed a leash on the dog, put him in their squad car, and took him to Animal Care and Control, where he’ll be made available for adoption if no one comes forward to claim him.

“This dog could easily have drowned in Lake Michigan, but the Chicago Police Department was luckily on the scene and ready to rush in to help him,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “Officer Juan Farris has started off his career on a compassionate and heroic note, and PETA is confident that this will be the first of many animal rescues for him.”

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, use a leash as well as a comfortable and secure harness, and watch them closely when they’re outdoors.

The Chicago Police Department will receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.