Warning after woman enters river to rescue dog

A fire service has warned against people entering the water to rescue pets after a dog owner had to be pulled out of a river.

Emergency services were called to the River Wensum off Barrack Street, Norwich, on Tuesday afternoon after a woman got into difficulty while attempting to rescue her dog.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said while it was able to rescue the woman, entering the water "puts your own life at risk".

The dog was pronounced dead and the woman taken to hospital for treatment.

A fire service spokesperson told the BBC: "We always ask people to call for help if life is at risk, and not to enter the water after other people or animals.

"We appreciate how much people love their animals as part of the family, but going in after them puts their own life in danger.

"In this instance, we were able to rescue the dog owner and we wish her a speedy recovery.

"Our thoughts are with her on the loss of her dog."

The RNLI advises keeping dogs on leads close to cliff edges or fast flowing rivers.

An ambulance crew was also called to the scene, but a spokesperson said the woman and dog were out of the water when it arrived.

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