PETA presented A Hero to Animals Award to the Thai Navy after sailors rescued four cats from a burning, sinking ship in the Andaman Sea.
Photos from the March 4, 2021 rescue show a cat clinging to a sailor’s back as his crewmates pull them to safety—and video footage shows the cats, warm and dry, enjoying a meal and a cuddle at their rescuers’ command post on the island of Koh Lipe.
“These sailors’ courageous and compassionate actions have made a splash with kind people around the world,” says PETA Senior Vice President Jason Baker. “PETA hopes their example will inspire everyone to keep an eye out for animals in danger and do whatever it takes to get them to safety.”
On behalf of the naval officers involved in the rescue, the Thai Navy received a framed certificate and a letter of appreciation from PETA.
Baker’s letter said, “On behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 3.5 million members and supporters, many of whom live in Thailand, I am pleased to present you with our Hero to Animals Award for your role in rescuing four cats from a burning, sinking ship in the Andaman Sea. We hope your kindness will inspire others to come to the aid of animals in need.”
PETA also offered to cover the costs of spaying or neutering the cats.
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