Women rescued from river after pulling attacking dogs from deer

A dog walk in southern Alberta ended with a police officer rescuing two women from a river.

Police in Lethbridge got a call Wednesday around noon about four dogs attacking an injured deer near an off-leash dog area in the north end of the city.

When Const. Denton Michelson arrived at Peenaquim Park, he found two women in the Oldman River trying to stop their dogs from attacking the deer.

One of the owners pulled the dogs from the deer, but then the current started to sweep her away.

Michelson helped the first dog owner out of the river, then went in to help the other woman and the dogs get back to shore.

Staff Sgt. Jamie Fisher says it all ended well, but adds it’s a reminder for people not to go into bodies of water and be cautious when pets could be around wildlife.

“They were just reacting on instinct. They tried to do their level best for the deer and their dogs. They just wanted to get the two groups separated and they just sort of went on instinct into the water,” Fisher said.

“Certainly, they wouldn’t do it again, that’s for sure.”

Fisher praised Michelson for his efforts before and after helping the women.

“The officer continued on working. He had some duties in court and other matters, so it took quite a while before we got him dried out ... It’s really outstanding.”

He said the condition of the deer is unknown.

They tried to do their level best for the deer and their dogs. They just wanted to get the two groups separated and they just sort of went on instinct into the water.