Golden retriever goes on wild otter chase in park, owner forced to wade in after it
A golden retriever that plunged into a waterway to chase a group of otters - ignoring its owner's frantic calls - has left netizens worried for the dog's safety.
On Nov 15, Facebook user Jeff Tan posted a video showing the dog bolting into the water at a park, its leash trailing behind it, as at least 10 otters bobbed nearby.
While two passers-by filmed the animals from the bank, the dog's owner hurried across a stepping-stone path, shouting repeatedly for it to return. The retriever continued playfully splashing toward the otters, which could be heard chirping as the dog approaches.
After several unsuccessful attempts to get his dog's attention, the man removed his shoes and socks, and climbed into the water.
A later clip shows him wading in and finally guiding the dog back to shore with its leash.
"The golden retriever was lucky that this otter family was quite tame and there were no otter pups to protect," Jeff Tan wrote in the caption, reminding pet owners to leash their animals and hold onto them tight.
According to an NParks advisory, pet owners are required to leash their dogs in public places. Owners who fail to do so may be fined up to $5,000 under the Animals and Birds Act.
Stomp has reached out to Jeff Tan for comment.
Netizens mixed
Some were charmed by the sight, saying the animals seem to be having fun playing catching in the water.
Other viewers were alarmed, calling the situation "dangerous" and a "recipe for disaster", pointing out that the situation could have escalated quickly.
"They escaped unharmed today, another time won't be this lucky," said a user.
Some called the owner "irresponsible" and "complacent" for letting the dog run free, while others pointed out that the leash was still attached, and the dog may simply have pulled free and "dashed off with hard force from the owner's hand".
Others were relieved that the pair left unharmed. "Doggy had a great time. Thankfully the otters didn't attack," one said.
