Veteran Shot Protecting Sea Turtle Nests to Receive PETA Award

Compassionate Action Award for Man Who Saved Nesting Turtles

For Immediate Release:
July 23, 2015

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Fla. –

A Compassionate Action Award is on its way from PETA to 72-year-old Vietnam War veteran Stanley Pannaman, who was shot while volunteering to monitor sea turtle nests on a Lauderdale-by-the-Sea beach. On Friday, Pannaman and a friend were reportedly confronted by a man who began cursing at them as he ripped out stakes and yellow tape that surrounded a nesting site. Pannaman said that the man lunged at him and shot him in the hip. The man was arrested, and Pannaman was taken to the hospital.

In recognition of Pannaman’s effort to protect sea turtles, PETA is sending him a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies.

“Thanks to Mr. Pannaman, these nesting sea turtles have a chance to live free in the ocean,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA sends our best wishes for his speedy recovery and hopes that his good deeds inspire others to come to the aid of animals in need.”

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

For more information, please visit PETA.org.