Trenton Police Department Nabs PETA Heroes Award for Rescuing Dog From Icy Water

For Immediate Release:
February 13, 2025

Contact:
Sara Groves 202-483-7382

In time for Valentine’s Day, the Trenton Police Department has stolen the hearts of the folks at PETA, who are sending over a Compassionate Police Department Award and delicious vegan chocolates in recognition of officers’ bravery in saving a struggling dog who fell through ice in a canal in Elizabeth Park on Monday and without them would surely have drowned. Body camera footage shows Cpl. Seth Bond and Officer Michael Bedsun removing their gear and some of their clothing and wading into the freezing water to rescue the dog. The dog was reunited with a grateful guardian.

“This dog would almost certainly have died in the frigid water if not for the bravery—and impressive cold tolerance—of the Trenton Police Department,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA encourages everyone to follow their example by acting swiftly whenever they see an animal in need.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.