Dog Rescue Nets Awards for Police, Truck Driver

PETA Honors Rescuers and Offers Reward for Information on Culprit(s) Who Threw Dogs From a Car

For Immediate Release:
December 18, 2018

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

For saving two dogs, one of whom was severely injured, from I-81 in Cortland County on the morning of December 12, PETA is sending a Compassionate Police Department Award to New York State Police–Troop C and a Compassionate Action Award to a truck driver who wishes to remain anonymous. PETA is also offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction on cruelty-to-animals charges of the person(s) responsible for throwing the dogs onto the highway.

The truck driver was heading south on I-81, between the exits for Marathon and Whitney Point, when he witnessed someone in what he believes to be a Dodge Durango pull over, roll down the rear passenger-side window, and throw two beagle mixes out of the car. The kind motorist pulled over and retrieved the dogs, and passing state troopers soon joined the rescue effort. A K9 handler bandaged the injured one. The dogs, now named Trooper and Adam, are in the care of the Broome County Humane Society. Adam was uninjured, but Trooper had numerous injuries, including several fractured bones, and his front leg had to be amputated.

“One kind motorist and a few compassionate state troopers stood between these little dogs and further terror and injury on the highway,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes their kindness and quick action will inspire others to come to the aid of animals in need—and urges anyone with information about whoever threw these dogs out like litter to come forward immediately.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—is sending the truck driver and the state troopers framed certificates and boxes of delicious vegan cookies.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the New York State Police in Homer at 607-749-1614.

For more information about helping animals, please visit PETA.org.