Emergency crews remind pet owners how to stay safe in the winter weather
COLUMBIA, MO (KMIZ)
Following a few incidents of dogs falling through ice this week, emergency crews want to remind owners how to keep their pets safe near frozen waters.
One of these incidents happened in the near 2610 Carrera Drive. Seth Schenck, is one dog owner who brought his dog out today. He said after he heard about a local dog and its owner falling through ice, it makes him want to be safer with his dog Sammy.
"Its really scary. Hopefully that never happens to us and Im glad that they were okay it sounds like but yea I really don't want that to ever happen, it makes me want to be safer with him to, " said Sammy.
Emergency crews say it is very dangerous for people to go onto ice after their pet has fallen through. It's recommended that if your pet falls through ice, the first thing you should do is call 911 immediately.
Columbia fire says if a person saves their dog before calling crews, there are few things to do first, they should quickly dry the dog off and get it to warm place like a running vehicle or home if its near by.
Gale Blomenkamp with the Boone County Fire Protection District said in Mid-Missouri it's usually never a good idea to wander out on ice because the temperature change creates weak ice.
Some dog owners told ABC 17 News that it's best to keep a watchful eye on your dog at all times. If you notice that they are getting to close to the frozen lake, get their attention to come the other way.
One pet owner said that when she goes to dog parks, she often see owners distracted by their phones or sometimes people throw toys near the water.
Clayton Farr Jr., Assistant Fire Chief for the Columbia Fire Department, says that if you are walking your dog near a body of water, it's important to keep the dog on a leash.
"None of us really know what is in the mind of the animals, so a goose or a bird or some other distraction may cause the dog to run away and run out onto ice that they believe is a solid surface. They are not aware of the danger as much as the owner would be. We would just encourage the owners to keep their dogs on a leash," Farr Jr. said.
The Columbia Fire Department says owners should never get in cold water to save their pets.
"We want to make sure that people don't get into the cold water after the animal, call us, we will come, we're always on duty and we're able to save a dog this week in two minutes after our initial arrival, "said Farr Jr.
Halee Holcomb, a Columbia pet owner says making sure your dog understands only your commands also helps with safety. "My dog has really good call and response, so I can call him back and just like that he came to me," Holcomb said.
Holcomb also said gives her dog a time limit for play and pays attention to how he behaves to determined if it's time to bring him out the cold.
According to Peta, a national animal rights website, 34 animals reportedly died from cold weather related reasons in 2020. The Humane Society of Missouri says if you're out with your pet, layer them up. If they have shorter fur or seem bothered by cooler temperatures, consider a sweater or a pet coat.
