Dublin firefighters receive award from PETA for rescuing cat from burning house

Olivia Kelleher

Firefighters from Dublin who rescued 'Biscuit' the cat from a burning house last month have received an award from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. (PETA)

Firefighters from Dolphin’s Barn attended the scene of a blaze in a house in Ballyfermot on January 28th last. Dublin Fire Brigade indicated that the breathing apparatus crew spotted that a cat in the house was unconscious.

“Firefighter ‘Paw’amedic Carrick placed a pet oxygen mask on Biscuit and after ten minutes, Biscuit was snuggling into its owner. A budgie and dog were also taken to safety but didn't require oxygen therapy.

"We (Dublin Fire Brigade) are trialling pet oxygen masks, which are on nine fire appliances, in two districts. We are working with Village Vets to introduce them across the city.”

PETA has now given firefighters in the D Watch in Dolphin’s Barn a “Hero to Animals” award for “bravely rescuing Biscuit the cat who was trapped in a burning house and resuscitating him with oxygen.”

They hope that this act of kindness will “ inspire others to come to the aid of animals in need.”

PETA Vice President of Programmes, Elisa Allen, said that thanks to the “heroic actions” of firefighters, what could have been a tragedy for Biscuit “had a happy ending.”

PETA stress that it is is vital to have an emergency plan for animals. This includes having carriers ready to grab in case of fires or other emergencies.

“Animal guardians can also post signs on their doors or windows to alert rescue workers to the presence of dogs, cats, and other animal companions in the home.”

It is understood that over 600k people viewed the initial Dublin Fire Brigade tweet on X about the rescue of Biscuit.