By EMS1 Staff
PHOENIX — A 911 dispatch center was flooded with calls about a cat stuck on a power pole after a TV station broadcasted a live feed of the animal on its Facebook page.
AZ Central reported that the Phoenix Fire Department dispatchers’ activities were almost put to a “screeching halt” when a black and white cat named Gypsy drew nationwide attention by getting stuck on top of a power pole.
Phoenix ABC affiliate Channel 15 posted a live feed of Gypsy, who had been stuck on the pole for several days. The video was viewed more than 319,000 views, and commenters encouraged people to alert the fire department.
At least 100 calls from across the country demanding the cat be rescued were fielded by 911 dispatchers, and Phoenix Fire Capt. Rob McDade said callers with medical emergencies were forced to wait.
“We love animals,” Capt. McDade said. “But while (callers) feel that they might be very justified in their emotional response, we have human lives we have to save at the same time.”
Gypsy was rescued by the Salt River Project utility company, which is in charge of removing live animals from power poles.