Man risks freezing river to rescue dog at Attingham Park
A dog owner risked freezing temperatures to wade into a river and save his dog at a Shropshire beauty spot today.
The man, who was walking three dogs in the grounds at Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury, waded into the River Tern to rescue the pointer after it fell through the ice.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the scene at around 10.45am, but were not needed to rescue the man or the dog, who both managed to get out of the water safely, near to the park's suspension bridge.
The man and the dog were looked after by staff at Attingham Park and did not require hospital treatment.
The incident came as Shropshire was in the grip of some of the worst winter conditions for years.
Speaking after the incident Ian Leigh, station manager from Shrewsbury Fire Station, said that despite the fortunate outcome other dog owners should not be tempted to repeat the man's actions.
See also:
He said: "My understanding was the owner did go into the water to try and assist the dog and that is an entirely natural thing to do but obviously we do not want anyone to go on to the surface of the ice or into the water to rescue a dog.
"Our basic advice is to keep off the ice and never go on to it to rescue a dog. The best advice is if you are walking a dog in an area where there is ice, to keep it on a lead and do not throw any sticks or balls for the dog.
"Dogs become used to where they are walking and being able to jump into parts of the water and sometimes that place is not appropriate.
"If they go on to the ice, call the emergency services immediately and do not go on to the ice yourself.
"You want to try and encourage the dog to come to you instead of going towards the dog. The shock effect of cold water can incapacitate people in a very short space of time.
"If you see someone fall through the ice people want to go in and help which is natural but they go into the water themselves and that should always be the last resort. Try and encourage them to come towards you, throw them a life buoy, a rope, or even use a long branch, do everything you possibly can not to go in to the water and always call the emergency services immediately."
