Pinellas Park Officer Honored For Dog Rescue On Busy Highway

PINELLAS PARK, FL — A Compassionate Police Department Award is on its way to the Pinellas Park Police Department from the nonprofit animal rights group PETA after Officer Joseph Puglia sprang into action to save a dog who'd been hit by a car on Interstate 275 on Sept. 19.

Dashboard camera footage shows Puglia stopping his car and running to retrieve the dog. He wrapped the dog in an emergency blanket and rushed to emergency veterinary care.

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The dog, now named Lucky, sustained minor injuries, and he'll be available for adoption if no one comes forward to claim him.

"We are a very pet-friendly community, and we take pride in caring for all of our residents," said Pinellas Park Police Capt. Adam Geissenberger. "We are also pleading with every pet owner to place collars with tags on their animal companions, microchip them, and spay and neuter them to help prevent pet overpopulation. We will always look out for our furry friends, but please help us do so by giving them the best chance to get home."

"Officer Puglia's lightning-quick actions spared this little dog a terrifying death on the highway," says PETA Vice President Colleen O'Brien. "This lucky dog is now on the road to recovery, and PETA hopes his story will inspire everyone to come to the aid of animals in need."

The Pinellas Park Police Department will receive a framed certificate, a letter of congratulations and boxes of vegan cookies.