Los Angeles fire crews rescue dog, owner after they became trapped in LA River

LOS ANGELES – Firefighters managed to rescue a dog trapped in the strong current of the Los Angeles River for almost two hours on Monday afternoon, after a recent storm.

Emergency crews responded to Burbank Avenue and Woodley Avenue near Sherman Oaks shortly after 2 p.m.

Crews were able to give a rescue ring to a woman who refused to keep her dog, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The crews then used a rope system to lower a firefighter and pull the woman out of the river, officials say.

Firefighters then tried to rescue the dog, but the frightened animal fought with the rescuer and broke down along the river. The river’s currents are estimated to range from five to 10 mph, according to the LAFD.

At about 3 in the afternoon, a good Samaritan jumped into the river and managed to hold the dog. After a few minutes of floating on the river, other people managed to lower a rope to the man who was able to grab it.

Firefighters rescued the good Samaritan but the dog relaxed and continued to drift down the river with strong currents.

The good Samaritan, a 28-year-old, was taken to hospital with dog bite wounds, according to officials.

This rescue prompted the LAFD to issue a statement saying: “Please do not enter the water to try to retrieve the dog. Passers-by who do so endanger themselves and create another human rescue.”

The LAFD said the dog’s owner did not need to be transported to the hospital, but any updates on her condition were not immediately known.