Media Invite: Portsmouth PD to Receive Award for Turtle Rescue

PETA Lauds Officer for Transporting Animal From Risky Road to Safe Lake

For Immediate Release:
May 13, 2019

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

On April 13, Officer J. Monteith of the Portsmouth Police Department was driving on busy State Route 164 westbound when he noticed a turtle on the road who was in danger of being hit by the cars whizzing past him. He stopped and scooped up the animal (whom he named Fred) and drove him to a nearby community lake—and in thanks for the rescue, PETA will present the Portsmouth Police Department with a Compassionate Police Department Award at the department’s headquarters tomorrow.

When:    Tuesday, May 14, 3 p.m.

Where:    Portsmouth Police K-9 Unit headquarters, 4404 Deep Creek Blvd. (directly next to Safety Town), Portsmouth

“Officer Monteith didn’t hesitate to rescue a turtle from a perilous spot and take the animal to safety,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes his kindness and swift action will inspire people to do the same and come to the aid of turtles during this busy wildlife season.”

Even if their shells are cracked or crushed, turtles can remain alive for days or even weeks in agonizing pain, which is why PETA urges people to pull over if they see one on the road and help guide the animal in the direction that he or she was headed. A PETA video provides information about helping on-the-go turtles. Never leave an animal to suffer—if a turtle has been injured, take them to your local animal shelter or nearest veterinarian for help. Additional tips for helping wildlife, including keeping an emergency rescue kit on hand and properly disposing of trash, are available here.

The Portsmouth Police Department will receive a framed certificate and delicious vegan cupcakes.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.