South Salt Lake, Utah -- A South Salt Lake man who was charged with "misappropriating" city property after he moved a trapped skunk out of the blazing sun on a hot August day has earned a Compassionate Action Award from PETA.

The man, Ryan Turner, became worried about a skunk who was caught in a cage trap on nearby city property. After the animal went two days without food, water, or protection from the hot summer sun, Turner moved the trap to a shady spot in his own yard. When the police came to retrieve the trap, they accused Turner of trying to steal it and charged him with misdemeanor wrongful appropriation. But 90 minutes into Turner's trial last week, prosecutor Paul Roberts dropped the charges after he became convinced that Turner was only trying to help the animal.

"South Salt Lake residents would be better served if city officials were as quick to prosecute people who abuse animals as they are to charge people who try to help them," says PETA Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. "We hope that the news generated by Ryan Turner's compassionate action and subsequent vindication will inspire others to intervene when they see animals in distress."

Turner will receive a framed certificate and a card signed by PETA staffers.

For more information, please visit PETA's Web site HelpingAnimals.com.