Cyclist Nabs PETA Award for Rescuing Injured Dog in Columbus

Jarrett Little Biked Dog With Broken Leg More Than 7 Miles to Safety

For Immediate Release:
July 20, 2018

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Action Award is on its way from PETA to cyclist Jarrett Little for rescuing a dog who had apparently been hit by a car in Columbus. On the evening of July 10, Little was on a group cycling ride on South Lumpkin Road when a dog with road rash and a broken leg came out of the woods and approached the group. After giving the animal food and water, Little scooped him up onto his back. With the dog’s arms around Little’s neck and his back feet in Little’s shirt pockets, the two rode more than 7 miles into town.

Once in town, the dog, now named Columbo, took matters into his own hands. He made a beeline for a woman on the street who noticed at once that he was hurt—and she immediately decided to adopt him. She arranged for him to receive veterinary care and enlisted a transportation service to take him to her home in Maine—and now Columbo is healthy, happy, and thriving with his new family, who has even set him up with his own Facebook page.

“Jarrett Little put the pedal to the metal to bring this special dog to safety, and the story couldn’t have had a happier ending,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes his actions will remind everyone that when an animal is in trouble, it’s up to all of us to step in and help.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—reminds all dog guardians never to leave dogs unattended outdoors, where they may be hurt by cruel people. PETA also offers tips for reporting cruelty to animals on its website.

Little will receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.