Firefighters Net PETA Award for Saving Missing Dog From Sinkhole

Pup Stranded for Two Days Now Recuperating at Home

For Immediate Release:
February 24, 2016

Contact:
Lakisha Ridley 202-483-7382

PETA’s Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way to Alpha Fire Company for its swift rescue of a dog named Skye, who toppled into a sinkhole after running off when her guardians let her off her leash during a walk on Monday. The couple searched for their missing dog until Wednesday morning, when they heard faint barking coming from a sinkhole, where Skye had fallen 15 feet. Firefighters quickly rushed to the scene, lowering Assistant Chief Dennis Harris into the hole with a rigged dog harness to retrieve Skye, who was lifted to safety and reunited with her family. She was taken to a veterinarian for a checkup and found to be uninjured.

“These determined firefighters were all that stood between this dog and a slow, lonely, agonizing death,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA encourages caring people to take this story as inspiration 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,” is sending the department a framed certificate, a box of delicious vegan cookies, and a copy of The Engine 2 Diet—a Texas firefighter’s 28-day plan for staying in prime firefighting shape with plant-based meals.

PETA reminds all dog guardians to keep dogs on leashes at all times during walks and to ensure that their yards are secure with sturdy fencing and no open manholes or pipes. While outdoors, guardians should walk their animal companions with a leash and a comfortable, secure harness and keep a close eye on them.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.