Madison County Sheriff’s Office Nets PETA Award for Rescuing Dog From Snake River

First Responders Retrieve Stranded Service Dog From Rushing Waters

For Immediate Release:
July 29, 2015

Contact:
Lakisha Ridley 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Action Award is on its way from PETA to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, which rushed to the Twin Bridges on Wednesday after a service dog named Jack was swept into the Snake River’s rushing water and became stranded on a marshy inlet, too exhausted to swim back to shore. With the help of his guardian, Danielle Larsen, officers used a boat to reach Jack and bring him back to safety—much to Larsen’s relief. “He’s like my son,” she said.

“Thanks to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, this beloved dog escaped this exhausting and potentially fatal ordeal,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes his rescuers’ dedication and kindness will inspire others 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”—reminds all dog guardians to keep their animal companions near them on walks with a leash and a comfortable, secure harness and to keep a close eye on them when they’re outside.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office will receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.