Basildon angler Stan Howard always catches more than his fair share of fish at Gloucester Park lake, but his latest exploits have raised his standing to the level of superhero for canines.

Stan was fishing at Gloucester Park when an off-lead dog chasing the ducks and geese followed them into the lake.

After swimming to the centre of the lake the dog became disorientated, swimming round and round in a tight circle.

Over a period of time the dog sank lower in the water and it became obvious that it was not going to find its own way out.

Rather than see the dog drown angler Stan swam out to the dog, and managed to tow it ashore to the congratulations of the gathered crowd.

Fishery Manager Mick Toomer said: "Although all ended well on this occasion there are two separate serious aspects to this incident.

"Firstly there is the question of safety. Fortunately on this occasion the water was relatively warm and Stan is a good swimmer.

"However, as a general rule it is most inadvisable to go out into water to try to rescue a dog.

"Every year people drown doing just that, and as often as not the dog they are trying to rescue eventually finds its own way out.

"I have six dogs of my own and fully appreciate the emotions involved, but its a fact that most dogs are better swimmers than the average person.

"The second aspect is that off-lead, out-of-control dogs are becoming an increasing problem around the areas ponds and lakes, with dozens of birds killed each year.

"Even if the dogs don't kill the baby birds they often frighten the parent birds into deserting the youngsters."

Published Wednesday, June 18, 2003

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