Heroic K9 Receives PETA Award for Saving Partner From Potentially Deadly Attack

Dog Honored With Goody Bag for Fending off Three Dangerous Suspects

For Immediate Release:
May 29, 2015

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Courtesy of PETA, a Heroic Dog Award is on its way to K9 officer Lucas, who rushed into the fray to fend off a potentially deadly attack on his human partner, Deputy Todd Frazier. On Monday, Frazier stopped to check on a vehicle at a rest stop when he was ambushed by three men, who attacked him and began dragging him toward the woods. He was able to open the rear door of his patrol car via a remote control device around his neck, and Lucas leapt to his defense, attacking the suspects before the three fled the scene. The K9 officer sustained minor injuries—including a torn ligament and road rash—but is expected to make a full recovery. PETA is sending a framed certificate to the sheriff’s office and a goodie bag for Lucas.

“Dogs are known to risk life and limb to come to the aid of their human friends, as this brave K9 did in spades,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA hopes his story will remind all dog guardians to return their companions’ affection with walks, toys, and love and to treat them as beloved members of the family.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—encourages anyone with the time, willingness, ability, and resources to care for a dog properly to adopt from a shelter rather than contributing to the homeless-animal crisis by buying from a breeder or a pet store.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.