Long Island Snowplow Driver and DPW Worker Nab PETA Awards for Rescuing Dogs During Blizzard
Editor’s note: While the last few winters have been comparatively mild, a snowstorm prediction in 2024 led PETA to release a public service announcement reminding people that outside during a snowstorm is not the place to leave dogs or cats. They should be brought inside and kept warm and hydrated. While it’s OK to let a dog out for a few minutes, they shouldn’t be exposed to the cold and icy conditions for prolonged periods.
Babylon, N.Y. — Compassionate Action Awards are on their way from PETA to Department of Public Works employees Kenny McGowan and Jason Koza, who sprang into action to rescue two dogs who were found running down Sunrise Highway during a record-breaking snowstorm on Monday.
After spotting the dogs while plowing the roads near Town Hall, McGowan immediately activated his sirens and followed them for almost a mile through near whiteout conditions until he reached a spot where he could safely block traffic with his truck to protect the dogs. McGowan then called Koza, who rushed to the scene with a leash, and, with the help of compassionate bystanders, the pair was able to get the dogs into Koza’s truck and transport them to a local shelter. Thanks to microchips, shelter staff were able to quickly locate the dogs’ guardian and reunite them with their family.
“These dogs could have easily frozen to death in a raging snowstorm or been hit by a car if not for the determination and swift actions of Kenny McGowan and Jason Koza,” says PETA Senior Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes this story will inspire everyone to look out for animals in need, especially when severe weather strikes.”
PETA notes that being outside unattended is always dangerous for companion animals, but cold weather poses even more risks—and leads to multiple deaths, injuries, and near-miss rescues each year. PETA urges guardians to bring companion animals indoors and encourages anyone who spots an animal in distress to contact their local animal control agency, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator—or, if necessary, 911—and stay with the animal until help arrives.
PETA is sending framed certificates to McGowan and Koza, along with delicious vegan chocolates.
Banner Image: Rescued dogs. Image Credit – Department of Public Works
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the largest animal rights organization in the world, and PETA entities have more than 9 million members and supporters globally. PETA opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview, and focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: in laboratories, in the food industry, in the clothing trade, and in the entertainment business. We also work on a variety of other issues, including the cruel killing of rodents, birds, and other animals who are often considered “pests” as well as cruelty to domesticated animals. PETA works through public education, investigative newsgathering and reporting, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns.