Bird Trapped in Fishing Line and Dangling by One Wing High Above the Ground Brought to Safety and Released Back Into the Wild
For Immediate Release:
October 19, 2012
Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382
Palmer, Mass. — After police arrived at the scene of a long-eared owl who was dangling upside down by one wing from a power line between two trees—45 feet in the air—they, in turn, called National Grid. Line worker David Bombard, who responded to the call, used his bucket truck to reach the owl. After seeing that the animal was ensnared in fishing line, Bombard placed a net under the bird and cut the line. The owl—who was promptly named Bumby after Bombard—was taken to an animal hospital, where the remainder of the fishing line was removed. Unharmed after what must have been a harrowing ordeal, Bumby was later released back into the wild.
For going above and beyond the call of duty to rescue a terrified owl, who now has a new lease on life, Bombard will receive PETA's Compassionate Action Award.
"With his kind and determined effort to rescue an owl, David Bombard has reminded Palmer residents that all animals are deserving of their kindness," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "His actions will inspire others to come to the aid of animals in need."
Although this story had a happy ending, PETA reminds residents that fishing is devastating not only to fish, who endure agonizing deaths when impaled by metal hooks, but also nearby wildlife, who can become ensnared in and strangle to death on carelessly discarded fishing line and other equipment.
Bombard will receive a framed certificate, a letter of appreciation, and a box of vegan chocolates from PETA.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.