For assisting a gull who was tangled in fishing line and dangling over the Brunswick Heads footbridge, fire officer Trudy Ashworth from Fire & Rescue NSW at Brunswick Heads will receive a Hero to Animals Award from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Australia.
The gull’s legs and wings were tangled in discarded fishing line and he was screeching in distress.
A passing pedestrian raised the alarm, and fire officer Ashworth climbed to his rescue.
She and her colleagues spent several minutes untangling the bird’s legs and wings. No worse for his ordeal, he flew off once the lines were removed.
For these efforts, fire officer Ashworth will receive a framed certificate and a letter of appreciation from PETA.
The compassion and heroism shown by members of Fire & Rescue NSW are truly an inspiration.
Northern Rivers residents are very fortunate to have emergency-service personnel who are ready to protect and serve both residents and local wildlife.
For more information about helping animals, please visit PETA.org.au.
Jason Baker, PETA Australia director of campaigns
