SOME East Lancashire dog owners have said they would risk their lives to save their pets – despite repeated warnings about the dangers of frozen waters.

A woman fell into the River Ribble, at Brungerley Bridge, Clitheroe, on Sunday as she rescued her dog which went through the ice.

The incident echoed last month’s tragedy when father-of-two Philip Smith, 49, from Lancaster, died after slipping into the icy River Lune trying to rescue his cocker spaniel Harry.

Experts at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, and British Waterways officials have urged other dog owners not to walk near frozen waters, and not to go on ice if their pets stray into danger.

But dog walkers in Blackburn today admitted they would consider going against this advice if faced with the same situation.

Ian Peel, 38, of Preston New Road, has three Labradors, Gerry, Max and Paddy.

The sign-maker said: “I would jump in. Gerry had a near-escape last year.

"He went in the river for an hour and a half and I went in up to my chest to try and get him.

"But that was in late summer.

“It’s a toss-up whether you risk your life, or live with the fact that you may have been able to save them.”

Anthony Fletcher, 35, of Intack, said he would try and help if his Staffordshire Bull terrier Troy was struggling.

He said: “I’d try and get a branch, or something. But if that didn’t work I’d probably jump in.”

Dave Metcalfe, 46, of Lower Darwen, has an eight-month-old bulldog called Samba.

He said: “You would have to be there in that situation to know how you would react. I hope I never have to make that decision.”

Kath Marsden, 74, of Brandy House Brow, said she would not have the strength, or energy, to rescue her cocker spaniel Snoopy.

She said: “My husband would go in for the dog, but I wouldn’t. If he got into that situation I’m afraid he would have to get himself out of it.”

Other dog owners said they wouldn’t risk going near deep water in winter.

Doreen Coxhead, 67, of Ewood, who has a boxer-cross called Rascal, said: “I wouldn’t take him anywhere near a river at the moment, just to be safe.”

Margaret Wright, 52, an emergency response worker of Lower Darwen, said she had witnessed the devastating consequences of a failed rescue attempt first hand – but would still be torn if her three-year-old terrier, Millie, was in danger.

She said: “We were on holiday once and a woman went in to try and get her dog. She drowned.

“I love Millie to bits, but you’ve got to think of yourself.

"You should put your own safety first, but then pets are a part of the family.”