A PET dog drowned and another had a lucky escape after falling through ice on the Taunton Canal at Creech St Michael yesterday (Thursday).

The two dogs were being exercised along the canal when they wandered on to the ice and fell through. The dogs' owner managed to rescue one of the dogs but the other disappeared under the ice.

Station manager for the Taunton Group, Martin Carnell said: “Three appliances from Taunton were called to attend and we managed to locate the body of the second dog.

“Unfortunately it had been under water for some time at this point and on examination it became obvious that the dog was dead.”

A fire spokesman said: “Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind all pet owners that with the type of weather conditions we are experiencing at the moment, it is important that whilst exercising their pets that they are kept under very close control and consider keeping them on their leashes.

“Frozen open water is dangerous and no attempt should be made to rescue animals if they fall in, unless this can be done safely from the bank.”