How do we stop people risking lives to save pet animals?

[Robert G]

A woman died recently after jumping into a fast-flowing river after her pet dog had fallen in. Her boyfriend jumped in after her in an attempt to rescue her. He didn't succeed but, luckily for him, he survived. How does he feel about her, and also his failure to save her, I wonder? (No need to answer this).

In another scenario, the woman might have survived but her rescuer might have perished. How would she feel about that?

We often read of tragedies such as this; sometimes they occur in the sea where rescuers are beaten by tidal currents, etc. Obviously the love of a pet can be very deep if its owner is prepared to risk his or her own life in order to try to save the animal, but, looking at this objectively, to take that risk is inconsiderate in the extreme towards companions, family and friends, who are then obliged to risk their lives too.

Acting instinctively and instantly is often necessary in order to prevent an accident or a disaster, but there must surely be a case for hesitation and logic where animals are in peril against mighty forces. Dealing with the sad loss of a loved pet in such circumstances, when one didn't try to rescue it, must be pretty awful, but it must be as nothing compared to what family and friends have to endure when the pet's owner, or another person, dies in a brave but futile rescue attempt.

Hugely controversial though this statement may be, I would have to conclude that all life is precious, but some lives are more precious than others.

Discuss this, by all means, but my question is: How do we stop people risking lives to save their pets?

[littleoldme]

I'd say the key words are at the start of your fourth paragraph, and the woman acted "instinctively and instantly" to save her beloved pet. If you consider your pets as members of the family, as I do, you will go to extraordinary lengths to protect them. If I saw my dog or my cat being swept downstream, I can't say I'd trust myself not to do something equally brave/stupid. I guess people think if they just did nothing while their helpless pet got swept away, they'd then have to live with the guilt and the endless wondering whether they could have saved them.

As for your ultimate question - how do we stop people risking their lives to save their pets - we don't. It's human nature. Sometimes love for a pet is stronger than rational thought.

[Drusilla]

It's the irrational nature of humans that make us what we are. We are not merely instinctive like many animals and yet not sufficiently logical to analyse every given situation.
I have to admit I wouldn't hesitate to jump in after my daughters, but for a pet? I would hope not, but knowing me, I wouldn't put money on it. Sadly, I veer towards the dramatic gesture and idiotic action during times of emotional crisis.
In answer to your question, I don't think we can stop people risking their lives for someone, or something they love.

[gary baldy]

In 1983 3 police officers died trying to save a man who went in after his dog in Blackpool and only last year 2 lads drowned at the same spot going in after a dog.
If i saw someone who had gone in after an animal i'd leave them to it - if they are daft enough to go in after an dumb animal then they get their just desserts.
Going in after an animal isnt brave - its just stupid!
Before all you animal lovers attack me just ask yourself -would an animal jump in to the sea to save you?

[undercovers]

i think the majority of people these days have little respect for the ability of the natural workd to kill us very quickly - people expect to be saved or be able to save themselves without little effort, i think education people more on the dangers of open water would achieve your goal robert - as it might make people hesitate just long enough to realise that by following their pet into dangerous water situations they are risking their life and those of the people around them (either bystanders or the emergency services).

[woofgang]

so...are we sayingb that humans shouldn't do the same in vain attempts to recue human strangers?

[simsfreq]

Some people feel the same love for their pets as for their children. A lot of people find this difficult to understand.

[joko]

you cannot stop people doing this... where could you even begin to try?

put up a sign, pass a law, send out booklets, arrest a few who have done it already to make an example of them... do you really think any of it would work?

you cannot control the reactions of people.

[Oneeyedvic]

Most people's instincts are to preserve life to the best of tehir ability. People will prioritise lives, often with their own / spouse / children above anyone elses, then going down to the family pet.

In answer to gary baldy, I don't know if an animal would save me or not - there have certainly been accounts of dogs saving humans before, but whilst I am sure these have been exagerated, there will probably be some truth there as well. Further, if you go down that line, then the conclusion could be "well, if anyone is stupid enough to fall in, then they probably deserves to die anyway " So maybe we shouldn't save anyone.

Robert - the answer (imho) to your question is - I don't think it is possible to legislate - as undercovers says - I think the best thing is education.

I am curious about this question, and would also be interested to know - who is worth saving - a dog that fell in or a person that is commiting suicide and jumped in?

[qapmoc]

I think undercovers made a very good point, people in the developed countries have got into the habit of thinking and acting as though the natural world is a safe place, this probably comes from the fact that many people are so used to moving around in an environment where all dangers are removed or not possible to approach. The mental attitude that things must be safe or you will sue somebody probably does not help with this situation either.

[don1]

The most incredible instance of this has to be a case in Blackpool about twenty years ago when a dog went into a rough sea, the dogs owner went in to save it and within seonds was in terrible trouble the police were alerted and a police officer went in to help, and another and another.

The final toll was three police officers one civilian and one Jack Russel dead.

I swear this is a true story

[eupraxia]

Gary there have been times when dogs have tried to save there owners not just from high waters but other perils to.

I tell you why people do it. pets don't lie to you, they don't stab you in the back, they are loyal and trustworthy, No matter how you look or how you treat them they are always there when no one else wants to know.For many old people their pets are all they have and offer loving companionship when the rest of the family couldn't care less. I feel sad for you Gary that you will never know the true love that these people are willing to risk their lives for.