Ottawa fire responds to multiple calls for dogs and owners falling through thin ice on waterways

OTTAWA -- Dog owners are being urged to keep their pets on a leash while out for a walk near the water during this warm weekend.

The Ottawa Fire Service Water Rescue Team has responded to multiple calls this weekend for dogs and their owners falling through the thin layers of ice on the waterways.

Saturday night, Ottawa Fire Service Fire Prevention and Investigations Officer Marc Messier tweeted the water rescue unit was responding to a call for three dogs in the Ottawa River at Blair Road.

Ottawa Fire offers the following tips for walking with your pet near ice on the waters

• Keep your pets on leash
• If you see an animal in distress, remain on shore and call 911

The @OttFire Water Rescue team has responded to multiple calls this weekend for dogs and their owners falling through the thin layers of ice on our waterways. #IceSafetyTips:
- Keep your pets on leash ��.
- If you see an animal in distress remain on shore and call 911 ☎️. pic.twitter.com/37Jpj1ON3L

— Ottawa Fire Services (@OttFire) March 21, 2021