SPCA thanks HAVFD for daring river dog rescue

Cornwall, ON (Tuesday, January 6, 2008) - The Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas and

Glengarry Branch would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude for the invaluable assistance of the Hogansburg/Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department in the daring rescue of a local and beloved pet stranded on the ice.

The Ontario SFCA received a call regarding a dog stranded on the ice in Summerstown, east of Cornwall on Saturday, January 3, 2009. Inspector Bonnie Bishop arrived at the scene to find panicked onlookers, including the dog’s owners. Hallie, a Bernese Mountain dog, was in a perilous position. “She was so far out on the ice that she was only visible with binoculars,” reports Bishop. “The conditions were extremely dangerous: the sun was setting, the temperature was frigid and there were gusty winds racing over open pockets of water and ice. Any attempt at rescue was extremely risky,” added Bishop. The local police and fire department, the Ontario Provincial Police and Canadian Coast Guard were unable to respond with assistance.

Bishop was finally able to reach the Akwesasne Police who agreed to dispatch the Hogansburg/Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department. Fire Chief Norman Peters coordinated rescue efforts with Inspector Bishop and sent a team and airboat to the scene. Anxious onlookers watched on the shore as the airboat approached the increasingly uneasy Hallie and scooped her up to bring her safely back to shore. The rescue team was led by Russell Phillips and included Howie Jock, Tommy Francis and Mike Lassin.

The Ontario SPCA would like to take this opportunity to further remind pet owners to protect their pets from harm, by keeping them leashed or in a secured fenced area. This rescue was dangerous and involved very elite and expensive equipment.