Young Animals Trapped Behind Wall Pulled to Safety in Two-Day Ordeal
For Immediate Release:
March 7, 2011
Contact:
Kristin Richards 757-622-7382
West Park, Fla. — When West Park resident Joy Seward heard meows coming from behind her bedroom wall Wednesday morning, she got a feeling of déjà vu. That's because just a day earlier—after hearing similar cries—a team from the Broward County Sheriff's Office Department of Fire Rescue freed a kitten who had become stuck in a space behind the wall. Apparently, a second kitten had also become trapped, and once again, the fire crew came to the rescue, freeing the second kitten by drilling another hole in the wall. For working for nearly six hours over two days to save the lives of the two kittens—who were adopted Wednesday afternoon—the Broward County Sheriff's Office Department of Fire Rescue will receive PETA's Compassionate Fire Department Award.
"These rescuers showed a lot of know-how, compassion, and patience in saving the lives of these two lucky kittens," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "Broward County is very fortunate to have first responders who are ready to protect and serve not only human residents but also homeless cats."
The department will receive a framed certificate, a lifesaving oxygen mask specially made for animals, and a letter of appreciation from PETA.
Although this incident had a happy ending, not all homeless cats and dogs are so lucky. Many starve to death, die of untreated illnesses or injuries, get hit by vehicles, or fall prey to animal abusers. That's why PETA encourages everyone to help fight animal homelessness by always having their cats and dogs spayed or neutered.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.