[Press Release] : Columbia Fire Department and Parks and Recreation Department remind animal owners to keep them off ice-covered ponds, lakes

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Steven Sapp - (573) 874-7557

Columbia Fire Department and Parks and Recreation Department remind
animal owners to keep them off ice-covered ponds, lakes

COLUMBIA, MO (January 5, 2009) - Each year, the Columbia Fire
Department responds to several calls to rescue animals, primarily dogs,
that have ventured onto ice-covered bodies of water and broken through
the ice. 

This past weekend, in Plainfield, N.J., a 61 year-old woman drowned
while attempting to rescue her grandson's German Shepherd. The dog was
about 25 feet from shore when it broke through the ice. The woman broke
through the ice attempting to rescue the dog. A passing bicyclist
attempted to rescue her and he too broke through the ice. The cyclist
fought his way back to shore and rushed to the nearest phone to call
9-1-1. By the time rescuers arrived, they found the woman's body in
about 4½ feet of water. She was rushed to a Plainfield hospital where
she was pronounced dead. During this time, the dog was able to get back
to shore and was found later, alive, waiting outside of the home where
he lived. 

The Columbia Parks and Recreation Department has posted signs at the
Garth Avenue and Twin Lakes leash-free areas urging animal owners to
keep their animals from wandering out onto the ice. Owners are
encouraged to keep their animals on leashes when ice exists or under
strict voice control in these areas and any areas where animals can
wander onto ice-covered bodies of water. 

Should an animal wander onto the ice and break through, follow these
instructions - 

Do not attempt to rescue the animal. 
Call 9-1-1 from the nearest phone. 
Report your exact location to 9-1-1. 
Await the arrival of trained and properly equipped rescuers from
emergency services. 
Shout encouragement to the animal.

- 30 -
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