Police, Firefighters Nab PETA Awards for Saving Dogs From Storm Drain

Group Honors Rescuers for Freeing Three Mastiffs From Underground Predicament

For Immediate Release:
December 4, 2017

Contact:
Audrey Shircliff 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Police Department Award and a Compassionate Fire Department Award are on their way from PETA to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and West Metro Fire Rescue, respectively, after rescuers came together last Monday afternoon to free three mastiffs who were stuck in a storm drain.

The dogs had apparently walked 100 yards through a large culvert in the ground and wound up trapped, two on one side and one on the other side of the street. After a neighbor reported hearing howling and barking underground, police officers arrived at the scene and called in firefighters from West Metro Fire Rescue, Engine 11, who lifted the manhole covers on each side of the street and pulled all three dogs to safety. They were returned to their guardian unharmed.

“These big dogs were in big trouble, but these police officers and firefighters worked quickly to get them to safety,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes this story will inspire others to act when animals are in distress, whether by helping them directly or alerting local authorities.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—encourages all guardians to keep their animal companions near them on walks by using a leash and a comfortable, secure harness. Yards should also be kept safe by enclosing them with sturdy fencing, removing potentially poisonous plants or other materials, and covering any open manholes or pipes.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the West Metro Fire Rescue will each receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies. The fire department will also receive a copy of The Engine 2 Diet—a Texas firefighter’s 28-day plan for staying in prime firefighting shape by eating vegan meals.

For more information about helping animals, please visit PETA.org.