Local firefighters who saved pigs from drowning receive PETA award

The State Park Fire Department was recently awarded PETA’s “Compassionate Fire Department Award” as well as some vegan pork rinds for their work in saving several farm animals during a flash flood near Cahokia Mounds on July 20.

PETA said in a news release that firefighters rescued 17 pigs from drowning in the flood waters, including 15 pot-bellied pigs and two larger pigs weighing more than 100 pounds. The pigs were found swimming in a shed, struggling to stay afloat.

“The compassion and determination of the State Park Fire Department saved these 17 pigs from a terrifying death by drowning,” PETA Vice President Colleen O'Brien said. “We hope they are safe forever, but PETA suggests that everyone be a hero for pigs by leaving these smart, sensitive animals off their plates.”

This story was originally published July 28, 2016 at 2:21 PM with the headline "Local firefighters who saved pigs from drowning receive PETA award."