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The Pisgah Climbing School received PETA’s Compassionate Business Award after founder Karsten Delap and three teammates executed a high-risk technical rescue to save a dog trapped on a 200-foot cliff.
The rescue took place on October 19 at Ramsey Cliff near the Appalachian Trail in Macon County, North Carolina 28752, United States. Nicole Perreira issued the formal award announcement on behalf of PETA on October 27, 2026.
The dog had remained stranded roughly 200 feet up a crumbling rock face for three days after previous retrieval attempts by his owner and local individuals failed due to hazardous terrain.
Delap and his team hiked half a mile into the remote wilderness area, initiating the climb as darkness fell and navigating unstable boulders and loose rock by headlamp.
Delap described the mission as the most technical dog rescue of his 20-year climbing career. Upon reaching the stranded animal, Delap calmed him using treats, secured him in a harness, and lowered him safely down the sheer cliff face.
The rescued dog was immediately reunited with his guardian to recover from three days of dehydration and exposure. In recognition of their life-saving action, PETA awarded the climbing school a framed certificate and vegan chocolates.
My thoughts:
- Technical climbing expertise and specialized equipment can make the difference between life and death for animals trapped in high-angle terrain.
- Nighttime technical rescues require exceptional safety precautions when navigating loose rock faces and unstable boulders.
- Using food rewards during high-stress rescues helps build immediate trust with frightened or defensive animals.
- Dedicated animal welfare awards raise public awareness about acts of community heroism and compassion.
- Specialized harnesses designed for animal rappelling are essential safety tools for technical wilderness search and rescue operations.
- Rapid hydration and medical assessment are critical priorities after domestic animals survive prolonged exposure without food or water.
Source: PETA (Nicole Perreira) and Pisgah Climbing School (Karsten Delap)
