Dog Receives PETA Award After Saving Child From Abusive Babysitter

Woman Sentenced to Three Years After Loyal Mutt Lets Parents Know That Something Is Wrong

For Immediate Release:
September 16, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Charleston, S.C. — PETA is sending its Heroic Mutt Award to Killian, a normally friendly mixed-breed canine member of the Jordan family in Charleston, who would become extremely agitated and even aggressive when their toddler’s babysitter would arrive at the house. It turned out that the babysitter had been mistreating the child, cursing at and striking him when only Killian was around to witness it. After being recorded by a hidden iPhone, the babysitter confessed and is now serving a jail term of three years and has been registered as a child abuser.

For letting the Jordans know that their young son was being verbally and physically abused, Killian will receive the award from PETA, along with a special “doggie bag” containing an eco-friendly squeaky toy, a Nylabone, a comfy harness to wear on walks, and a box of vegan dog treats.

“Dogs are more than our best friends—as Killian demonstrated, they’re our family members, our protectors, and our heroes,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA hopes Killian’s tenacity and care will inspire people to head to their local animal shelter because they’re all full of lovable, wonderful mutts just like Killian.”

PETA’s gift basket is an acknowledgment of the many rewards of sharing our lives with animal companions—and the importance of valuing their devotion by becoming the best guardians possible. The group encourages anyone with the time, willingness, ability, and resources to care for a dog properly to adopt a mutt from a shelter, rather than contributing to the animal-homelessness crisis by buying from a breeder or a pet store. 

For more information, please visit PETA.org.