Fire and Rescue Called to Save Dogs Plunged into Ice

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to an animal rescue call at 10:51 today (Thursday, 8 January 2009) after two cocker spaniel dogs fell through ice on a frozen river at Hilsea Lines, Portsmouth.

Dog owner, Linda Collins, had been walking her pets, Jasper (2) and Chino (1), along the Lines when Jasper walked onto the frozen surface of the lake and fell through the ice; Chino then jumped in after Jasper.

Linda immediately phoned the local Ranger of Hilsea Lines for assistance and was given the advice to call 999 and ask for the fire service.

Linda followed advice given by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Control Operators not to enter the water herself as this could endanger her own life.

Local man, volunteer dog walker for Portsmouth Dog Kennels, Steve Williams was walking a dog on the opposite bank when he came across the incident. Steve quickly got to the other bank to help the animals and jumped into the frozen river.

Mr Williams explained: “The ice was an inch or more thick, so I had to use my elbows to break through to reach the dogs.” However, Steve quickly managed to reach the dogs and bring them to safety.

Firefighters from Cosham and Havant fire stations were soon on the scene, as well as Buster Brown, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Rural Safety Officer. Steve was attended to whilst Havant fire crews rushed Jasper and Chino to a local vet.

The dogs received expert care from Pets at Home vet surgery in Copnor, Portsmouth, and were soon back to full health and allowed to go home with their owner. Steve was also safe and well having dried off and warmed up.

Kevin Oxlade, Community Safety Group Manager for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “It is important to remember that entering cold or frozen water can be extremely dangerous. Mr Williams received full naval training in cold water whilst serving on HMS Endurance in the North Pole with the Royal Navy and therefore felt confident in entering the water. However, cold water quickly saps your strength and even strong, able swimmers could find themselves in trouble”.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service urges people to ensure their own safety by following the below advice:

* Do not venture onto ice or frozen water
* Ensure children and animals are supervised at all times
* Do not throw animals toys onto or near frozen water
* Do not attempt to rescue a person or animal yourself
* If a person or animal does fall through the ice into the water call the emergency services immediately

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