Despite rescue efforts, dog dies after falling through ice in southeastern Massachusetts

Despite multiple attempts by responders that arrived on scene, a dog gas died after falling through ice in southeastern Massachusetts.

According to Chief O’Brien, the Lakeville Fire Department, a call came in just after 8:00 a.m. this morning for a dog through the ice. Car 1 arrived first to find a dog through the ice approximately 600 feet from shore. Bystanders were in the process of attempting a rescue, those efforts were stopped.

Arriving firefighters were deployed on a rescue sled in an attempt to rescue the dog. The thin ice gave way multiple times, preventing the rescuers from advancing quickly out to the dog.

A firefighter eventually advanced within 50 ft of the dog’s location, despite the difficult conditions. During this last attempt, the exhausted dog had submerged under the ice.

At that time, rescue operations had to be stopped and the struggling rescuer was pulled back to shore. The last rescuer was off the ice by 8:45 a.m.

Chief O’Brien stated how difficult a decision it was to halt the rescue.

“The most difficult decision made today was the determination of what is a reasonable and appropriate level of risk to save an animal. The tactics that were used today minimized risk to responders and did not approach what would have been employed for a person. Ice conditions and the distance from shore were the determining factors in the outcome of this call. As is always the case, the department will review performance and identify our deficiencies. Training and resources will be focused on continuing the improvement of our services.”

“I would like to thank the firefighters for their efforts today. On behalf of the Department, I would like to extend our condolences to the family of the dog. While we are grateful that no person was injured today, we are also very saddened by the loss of the dog.”

“I would like to remind everyone that the ponds are not currently safe. Maybe today’s incident will remind people to use caution around the ice, and maybe some positive will come from the loss of this pet.”