University of Michigan Police Receive PETA Award for Turkey’s Safe Relocation

Officers Whisk Roaming Bird to Animal-Rescue Facility

For Immediate Release:
August 6, 2015

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Courtesy of peta2, PETA’s youth division, a Compassionate Action Award is on its way to the University of Michigan Police Department for its safe relocation of a free-roaming turkey spotted by students and passersby numerous times on campus. Campus officers, realizing that the bird’s safety was in jeopardy after the death of another turkey on campus who was struck by a car in July, trapped and moved the distressed animal to a rescue facility where he’ll receive appropriate care. For its kindness, the department will receive a framed certificate.

“The University of Michigan Police Department’s compassion in moving this bird out of harm’s way likely spared him a painful and lonely death,” says PETA Director of Youth Outreach and Campaigns Marta Holmberg. “peta2 hopes this story will inspire others to come to the aid of wild animals in need by asking local authorities to help if necessary.”

peta2—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—offers tips for helping wildlife on its website.

For more information, please visit peta2.com.