South Haven Agency Receives PETA Award for Rescuing Dog From Icy Pond

First Responders Use Special Suits to Reach Struggling Animal Who Had Been Tethered Outside

For Immediate Release:
December 4, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

At 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 1, South Haven Area Emergency Services responded to a call that a dog had fallen through the ice on a pond near Eighth Avenue in Geneva Township. When the rescuers arrived, the dog, who was about 150 feet from shore, was struggling and crying out for help. Members of the crew put on special ice-rescue suits, crawled along the ice to the dog’s location, and pulled the exhausted animal to safety before wrapping him in a thermal blanket. He was later reunited with his family and is doing fine. According to news reports, the dog had broken free from his chain or other type of tether and ventured about a mile before becoming trapped.

For braving the dangerous conditions to save the dog’s life, South Haven Area Emergency Services will receive a Compassionate Responders Award from PETA.

“Thanks to the dedication and know-how of South Haven Area Emergency Services, what could have spelled tragedy for a terrified dog had a happy ending,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “South Haven–area residents should be proud of their first responders, who are prepared to protect and serve both human residents and their beloved animal companions.”

South Haven Area Emergency Services will receive a framed certificate, a letter of recognition, and a box of vegan chocolates.

PETA urges all dog guardians never to keep their animals chained in the backyard. Chaining is not only cruel—robbing dogs of the opportunity to satisfy their complex social needs and exposing them to attacks by humans and other animals—but also dangerous. Chained animals often become aggressive and can pose a serious threat to others, especially children. And as this case illustrates, they can escape and endanger their own lives as well. Dogs belong indoors with other members of the family. PETA has worked successfully with parties throughout the U.S. to get chaining bans enacted by local governments.

At 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 1, South Haven Area Emergency Services responded to a call that a dog had fallen through the ice on a pond near Eighth Avenue in Geneva Township. When the rescuers arrived, the dog, who was about 150 feet from shore, was struggling and crying out for help. Members of the crew put on special ice-rescue suits, crawled along the ice to the dog’s location, and pulled the exhausted animal to safety before wrapping him in a thermal blanket. He was later reunited with his family and is doing fine. According to news reports, the dog had broken free from his chain or other type of tether and ventured about a mile before becoming trapped.