Cow Rescue Nets Awards for Firefighters, Towing Service

PETA Celebrates Joint Effort to Help Animal Stranded in Swimming Pool

For Immediate Release:
January 23, 2017

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

Courtesy of PETA, a Compassionate Fire Department Award and a Compassionate Action Award are on their way to the Oklahoma City Fire Department and the Car Cab Wrecker Service, respectively, for their collaborative rescue of a cow who became stranded in a backyard swimming pool on January 15.

Firefighters told PETA that they had considered tying a rope around the cow’s neck to guide her out but decided against it because they “didn’t want to injure or scare her any more than she already was.” Instead, they emptied the pool with fire pumps from the truck to protect her from hypothermia, and authorities called in the Car Cab Wrecker Service, which wrapped the 1,500-pound cow—who had been sedated by Oklahoma City Animal Welfare—in a harness made of tow straps and hoisted her to safety.

“These rescuers thought outside the box to determine how best to save this stranded cow from her dangerous predicament,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA is recognizing these Oklahoma firefighters and the Car Cab Wrecker Service for proving that they don’t hesitate to help humans or animals in need.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—reminds all homeowners to make sure their yards are secure. Sturdy fencing and covered manholes, pipes, pools, and smokestacks will help protect local wildlife, neighbors’ companion animals—and even curious cows.

Oklahoma City Fire Department Fire Station 28A and the Car Cab Wrecker Service will each receive a framed certificate, a letter of congratulations, and delicious vegan jerky and cookies. The fire station will also receive a copy of The Engine 2 Diet, a Texas firefighter’s 28-day plan for staying in prime firefighting shape by eating plant-based meals.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.