Police Nab Award for Rescuing Puppy Who Overdosed on Heroin

PETA Recognizes Officers for Acting Quickly to Save Dog Locked Inside Suspected Thieves’ Truck

For Immediate Release:
February 27, 2017

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Police Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Carrollton Police Department after officers responded to a call about a theft at a Home Depot store on February 18. Employees informed the police that there was a puppy inside the suspects’ truck. The 5-pound dog had apparently ingested heroin and was limp, lethargic, and near death—so officers retrieved him, and Carrollton Animal Services rushed him to an emergency veterinary clinic. He is recovering and will be available for adoption soon. His previous owners were arrested and, according to police, will likely face animal-abuse charges.

“Thanks to the Carrollton Police Department’s readiness to protect and serve both humans and animals, this puppy was spared a horrific death by drug overdose,” says PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange. “PETA hopes the officers’ kindness will inspire people everywhere to keep an eye out for dogs in danger.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—reminds all dog guardians never to leave any animal inside a parked car. On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to between 100 and 120 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes.

The police department will receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.