Rochester Fire Department Nabs PETA Award for Saving Dog From Frozen Lake

Firefighters in Ice-Rescue Suits Quickly Pulled Pup to Safety

For Immediate Release:
November 21, 2019

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Rochester Fire Department for rescuing a dog who had fallen through the ice on Cascade Lake on the morning of Saturday, November 16, and reuniting the animal with his guardians.

“These brave firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes and quickly got this fatigued, freezing dog back on solid ground,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes their kindness and swift action will inspire everyone to look out for animals in need, especially during the dangerous winter months.”

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 using a leash and a comfortable, secure harness and to keep a close eye on them whenever they’re outdoors. Animals should never be allowed to go on frozen water, as it’s impossible to tell whether the surface is 100% safe.

The Rochester Fire Department will receive a framed certificate, a box of delicious vegan cookies, a letter of congratulations, and a copy of The Engine 2 Diet, a former firefighter and professional triathlete’s 28-day plan for staying in prime firefighting shape by eating vegan meals.

PETA opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information about PETA’s work for animals, please visit PETA.org.