Good Samaritans Charge Into Burning Building, Pull Crated Dog to Safety
For Immediate Release:
July 27, 2011
Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382
Waterville, Maine — According to news reports, on July 23, Randy LaPointe discovered that the home of his neighbors, Heather and Chris Stone, who were away, was on fire. After learning from Betsy Abbott that the couple's dog, Abby Doodle, was trapped in a crate inside the house, LaPointe climbed in through a window and let Deborah Kilsby in through the front door. The two managed to get Abby safely outside the burning house while neighbors attempted to douse the flames. Abbott took Abby home with her, where she and her own dog (who is Abby's pal) comforted Abby until the Stones returned home. For heroically saving Abby's life and giving her tender loving care after what must have been a terrifying experience, LaPointe, Abbott, and Kilsby will each receive a Compassionate Action Award from PETA.
"Thanks to the heroic actions of her neighbors, a dog who nearly suffered a terrifying and painful death is alive and well," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "Their heroism is a compelling reminder that all members of the family—including dogs, cats, and other animals—deserve help in an emergency."
PETA points out that this story gives people yet another reason why they should not confine their dogs to crates. Besides depriving dogs of the freedom to walk around and the opportunity to relieve themselves, locking animals in crates also puts them at risk of danger, making it impossible for them to escape from fire, smoke, and other imminent threats.
LaPointe, Abbott, and Kilsby will each receive a framed certificate and a letter of recognition from PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.