Davie Firefighters Receive PETA Award for Rescuing Puppy Trapped in Drain Pipe

Group Stresses Importance of Keeping Yards Secure and Rescue Workers Equipped With Animal Oxygen Masks

For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2014

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

On the afternoon of February 17, firefighters with the Davie Fire Rescue Department responded to an urgent call about a puppy named Sugar, who had fallen into the sewer through a hidden drainage pipe in his guardians’ yard. Firefighters continuously pumped oxygen into the sewer and spent hours using a camera on an extendible wire to encourage Sugar to walk to meet the firefighter who had climbed down through a manhole to catch him. Rescue workers brought the puppy back to the surface and used a special animal oxygen mask to make sure that he had fully recovered from his ordeal. Then he was returned to his grateful family.

For saving Sugar’s life, the Davie Fire Rescue Department will receive PETA’s Compassionate Fire Department Award.

“The tenacity and know-how shown by the Davie Fire Rescue Department is an inspiration,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “Davie is very fortunate to have first responders who are ready to protect and serve both residents and their beloved animal companions.”

For its efforts, the fire department will receive a framed certificate, a letter of appreciation, and a box of delicious vegan chocolates from PETA.

PETA reminds all dog guardians to make sure that their yards are secure—with sturdy fencing, no potentially poisonous plants or other materials, and no open manholes or pipes—and to keep an eye on animals when they’re outside, particularly puppies who are still learning to navigate their environment. The group also urges people to encourage their local fire departments to carry animal oxygen masks, like the one used to treat Sugar, and to consider donating them to any department that doesn’t have enough.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.