Tulsa Fire Department Nabs PETA Award for Saving Dog From Frozen Creek

Firefighters in Protective Suits Pulled Stranded Dog From the Ice, and She’s Been Reunited With Her Guardian

For Immediate Release:
February 12, 2018

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Tulsa Fire Department, which sprang into action on February 7 after a firefighter on special duty noticed a dog stranded on frozen-over Mingo Creek. He immediately alerted the rescue task force, which arrived on the scene with protective suits, ropes, and an inflatable raft. Two firefighters boarded the raft and scooted it along the ice to reach the dog. They coaxed her aboard, and firefighters on the shore then pulled the three of them to safety. The dog, named Duchess, had been microchipped and was wearing a collar—and she’s since been reunited with her guardian.

“These heroic firefighters were ready and willing to navigate a frozen creek to bring this dog to safety,” says PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange. “PETA hopes their kindness and swift actions 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 when they’re outdoors.

The Tulsa Fire Department—which was recognized by PETA in 2015 after rescuing a dog from a manhole—will receive a framed certificate, a box of delicious vegan cookies, a letter of congratulations, and 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, please visit PETA.org.