Dead groundhog can’t stop Bill de Blasio from getting PETA award

The mayor who dropped a groundhog — which later died — has been named PETA’s Person of the Year for 2014.

Back in February, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio had trouble keeping a firm grasp on “Staten Island Chuck,” dropping him to the ground, which reportedly resulted in the groundhog’s death.

But his work defending circus animals, carriage horses and the promotion of vegan eating has been enough to overcome that incident and earn him the annual award.

“When the mayor of New York City talks, the world pays attention and Mayor de Blasio’s kindness to animals and determination to protect them speak volumes,” PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said in a statement, according to Reuters.

De Blasio will receive an engraved horse sculpture as an award.

Via Reuters