Woman's Refusal to Load Dog Saves Animal
For
Immediate Release:
December
8, 2011
Contact:
Kristin
Richards 202-483-7382
Reno, Nev. -- Former Reno-Tahoe International Airport baggage handler Lynn Jones was hard at work on November 15 when an emaciated dog—who was covered with sores and had bloody paws—arrived in a pet carrier in the cargo area of the airport, waiting to be shipped to Texas. Although Jones's supervisor warned her that she would lose her job if she refused to load the dog onto the plane, Jones—an animal lover who shares her home with three dogs—refused. She later explained to news sources, "My supervisor said it wasn't my concern, but animal abuse is everyone's concern who sees it." Instead, airport police called animal control, which took the dog into custody and provided the animal with veterinary care.
For refusing to back down, Jones will receive a Compassionate Action Award from PETA.
"Thanks to Lynn's selflessness and bravery, this abused dog was spared a terrifying ordeal in an icy cargo hold," says PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange. "We hope that Lynn's compassionate action will inspire others to intervene when they see animals in danger and distress."
Even when animals aren't visibly ill, PETA cautions travelers never to fly with dogs or cats unless the animals can be housed in the cabin. A plane's cargo hold often lacks adequate ventilation and temperature control and can reach extreme temperatures quickly, especially when delays leave planes sitting on the tarmac. Sometimes carriers become damaged in transit, and cats and dogs escape and become lost inside airplanes or on runways.
Jones will receive a framed certificate and a box of vegan chocolates.
For more information, please visit PETA.org or click here.