Dog dies after falling through ice on Falkirk canal

A dog which plunged into freezing water after falling through a crack in a frozen canal has died.
By Jonathon Reilly
Published 11th Jan 2021, 16:43 GMT
Updated 12th Jan 2021, 09:13 GMT
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) rushed to the scene on the Forth and Clyde Canal in Falkirk last Friday afternoon to rescue the animal, known as Millie.

Falkirk Fire Station staff, who provided oxygen for the distressed pooch, have since left flowers, a card and a toy dog by the canal to remember Millie.

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The pet was being walked along the canal close to The Kelpies prior to the dramatic incident, which a passer-by claimed almost “cost two lives” when a man and woman tried to intervene to save the dog.

Falkirk Fire Station staff left a tribute at the Forth and Clyde Canal to a dog that sadly died after plunging into freezing water last week. Picture: Michael Gillen.Falkirk Fire Station staff left a tribute at the Forth and Clyde Canal to a dog that sadly died after plunging into freezing water last week. Picture: Michael Gillen.
Falkirk Fire Station staff left a tribute at the Forth and Clyde Canal to a dog that sadly died after plunging into freezing water last week. Picture: Michael Gillen.

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David Sharp, SFRS Local Senior Officer, said: “We were alerted at 1.39pm on Friday, January 8 to reports of a man and a dog in water at The Kelpies, Falkirk.

“Operations Control mobilised two appliances and two water rescue teams to the scene.

“The man was out of the water prior to our arrival.

A dog has died following an incident near The Kelpies, Falkirk, on Friday in which the animal plunged through a crack in the ice on the Forth and Clyde Canal. Picture: Michael Gillen.A dog has died following an incident near The Kelpies, Falkirk, on Friday in which the animal plunged through a crack in the ice on the Forth and Clyde Canal. Picture: Michael Gillen.
A dog has died following an incident near The Kelpies, Falkirk, on Friday in which the animal plunged through a crack in the ice on the Forth and Clyde Canal. Picture: Michael Gillen.

“Crews used Smokey Paws equipment to provide oxygen therapy to Millie and staff assisted the owner with taking her to a local vet for emergency treatment.

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“Sadly, Millie passed away despite the best efforts of the crews.

“Our thoughts are very much with the pet’s owners at this difficult time.”

Falkirk resident Gordon Clark was out walking in the area when he saw the dog fall into the water.

He said: “Its owner tried to call it back, but to no avail as it kept struggling to get out.

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“A chap standing next to me went for a life ring and a pole to throw across to the owner and other people on the other side.

“When he went to throw it, he stood partly on ice and went under as well.

“He struggled to get out so I jumped the barrier with his partner and we struggled to get him out as he was soaking.

“Luckily we got him out and took off his wet jacket.”

The situation prompted Falkirk Community Trust to plead with members of the public not to walk on frozen ponds or canals.

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Related topics:FalkirkPoliceScottish Fire and Rescue Service