Henry County Firefighters Receive PETA Award For Rescuing Dog From 40-Foot-Deep Well

PETA Honors Rescuers’ Tireless Efforts to Save Elderly Dog’s Life

For Immediate Release:
October 4, 2016

Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Henry County Fire Department for its September 26 rescue of an elderly dog named Bama, who had fallen 40 feet into the narrow pipe of a neighbor’s well and was reportedly struggling to keep his head above water. Emergency responders worked for three hours to pump oxygen down to him, send a firefighter down into the pipe, carefully lift the dog to safety, and return him to his guardian.

“The Henry County Fire Department had the skills, the resources, and the compassion to save this beloved dog from a terrifying death,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes this story will remind everyone to keep an eye on their dogs whenever they’re outside and to come to the aid of any animal who needs help.”

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 by using a leash and a comfortable, secure harness and make sure they never allow their dogs to roam outside unattended. Yards should also be kept safe with sturdy fencing, no potentially poisonous plants or other materials, and no open manholes or pipes.

The Henry County Fire Department will receive 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 by eating plant-based meals.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.