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Dulwich: Firefighters rescue goldendoodle from icy lake

LFB Goldendoodle dog Ponzo is wrapped up in a hi-vis jacket after her dip in the lakeLFB
When crews arrived they had to break the ice before paddling out in an inflatable boat and bring Ponzo to safety

Firefighters have rescued a dog after it got stranded on an icy lake in south-east London.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said Ponzo, a goldendoodle, was thought to have been chasing something when she ran on to the part-frozen lake in Dulwich Park and fell in.

She swam to an island but firefighters had to use a dinghy to bring her back.

The RSPCA warned dog owners to keep their pets away from frozen lakes, ponds and rivers.

Earlier this week, a puppy died after it fell through ice in Stoke-on-Trent.

LFB Firefighters head off on the lake while a soggy Ponzo looks on in the distanceLFB
The RSPCA said: "It is best to walk dogs away from frozen water or keep them on the lead if it's unavoidable"

LFB said it was called to Friday's incident at 08:21 GMT and crews from Forest Hill, West Norwood, Lewisham and Croydon attended the scene.

Crews had to break the ice before paddling out in an inflatable boat to Ponzo and bring her back to safety. They rescued her within an hour of the call-out.

LFB Ponzo is carried by a firefighter across dry ground after a successful rescueLFB
After the rescue, firefighters carried Ponzo to safety on dry ground

Station Commander Pat Ackroyd, who was at the scene, said the owner did "absolutely the right thing" by calling the brigade.

"The ice was really thick and crews had to work hard to smash through it to create a path for the boat to reach Ponzo.

"Once rescued, she was checked over and wrapped in a blanket before being given back to her grateful owner," he said.

He added: "This incident highlights the dangers of keeping dogs off leads near water, particularly in these freezing temperatures."

LFB Ponzo is reunited with her owner while firefighters look onLFB
Ponzo was reunited with her owner after she was rescued

RSPCA pet welfare specialist Sam Gaines said: "It is best to walk dogs away from frozen water or keep them on the lead if it's unavoidable.

"If your dog ventures on to the ice, never follow them on to it, instead call them to come back to you right away, but if they get stuck call fire and rescue services for help.

"Owners should never try to risk rescuing their pet themselves as they could get themselves into a dangerous situation."

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