DHSS Press Release

OFFICE OF ANIMAL WELFARE SEARCHING FOR OWNER OF DOG RESCUED FROM BRIDGE HIGH ABOVE C&D CANAL

BEAR, DE (September 20, 2016) - On Sunday September 18, 2016, officers from Delaware Animal Services (DAS), the animal control enforcement unit of the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) Office of Animal Welfare, rescued a terrified dog who was trapped on a railroad trestle high above the C&D Canal near the Michael Castle Trail. Now DAS is asking for the public's help in locating the dog's owner.

A family riding bikes on the trail this weekend spotted the dog sitting precariously on a ledge under the train bridge and alerted DAS. Captain Phillip Cane and Officer Andrea Scurti were dispatched to the scene. Due to the remote location and the inability to get a vehicle close to the area, it took both officers over an hour to finally locate and gain access to the railroad trestle. Officers Cane and Scurti were joined in the rescue effort by Erik Seymour and Dakota Davis of Summit North Marina. A female, blonde beagle was found between the bridge and the concrete support brace up high along an alcove. The rescuers were required to climb up, around, and underneath the bridge to a platform where the dog was stuck. The dog was rescued and although very scared, she was uninjured.

"I carried her off the bridge and she was just shaking the whole time", said DAS Officer Scurti. "But when we put her in the truck on soft bedding, her whole body just seemed to relax. We are grateful to the gentleman who saw her and reached out to us for help."

The beagle was taken to Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) in New Castle where she will receive food, medical care and lots of TLC. She will be held for a minimum of three days for her owner to claim her. If no one comes forward, she will be made available for adoption. The owner can reclaim the dog by called the BVSPCA lost and found hotline at 302-516-1001.

The picture of the dog comes courtesy of the Brandywine Valley SPCA lost and found page.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.