Daring Rescue of Dog Nets PETA Award for First Responders

Dog Who Fell 600 Feet Prompts PETA Call for Warning Signs at Cliffside

For Immediate Release:
October 1, 2015

Contact:
Lakisha Ridley 202-483-7382

Altadena, Calif. – PETA’s Compassionate Action Award and Compassionate Police Department Award are on their way, respectively, to the Altadena Mountain Rescue Team and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department–Altadena Station after they rushed to the aid of a dog named Angel, who plummeted 600 feet down a cliff while on an unleashed run with his guardian. After two hours of searching, first responders found the frightened dog, who was stranded, and were able to whisk him to safety with the help of a specially made harness. Angel sustained only a minor scratch on his nose and was reunited with his guardian.

“Thanks to the persistence of these courageous first responders, this dog is safe and recovering at home,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes their determination will inspire others to come to the aid of animals in need.”

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 with a leash and a comfortable, secure harness and to keep a close eye on them when they’re outside.

PETA has also sent a letter asking the forest supervisor of the Angeles National Forest to place signs along Sam Merrill Trail warning hikers to keep dogs leashed at all times and to look for symptoms of heatstroke. In just the past week, two dogs collapsed and needed resuscitation. So many dogs have fallen or collapsed from heat exhaustion in recent months that first responders now carry leashes with them. PETA has offered to help create and install the signs.

The Altadena Mountain Rescue Team and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department–Altadena Station will each receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.