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Two dogs rescued from freezing canal in Smethwick

Two dogs were rescued by firefighters after being spotted in a canal.

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The Labradors following their rescue

Crews raced into action to pull the Labradors from the freezing water in Smethwick.

How the mutts ended up in the canal, off Rolfe Street, remains a mystery with their owner yet to have been located.

Firefighters searched the water to ensure an owner had not gone into the water with the dogs.

The alarm was raised by a member of the public at around 7.30pm on Monday with temperatures close to freezing.

One dog was initially spotted but after the member of the public reported hearing barking, a further search revealed there was another.

Ropes and other fire service equipment was used to get them to safety.

It is not known how long the dogs had been in the canal.

The dogs appeared to be healthy and in good spirits following their rescue despite the time spent in the cold water.

With no owner around, they were put into the care of the RSPCA. The dogs are microchipped so it's hoped the owner will be found.

Aaron Holsgrove, Watch Commander at Smethwick Fire Station, said: "A call came from a member of the public concerned there was a dog in the canal.

"Fire crews responded and got one dog from the canal. A further dog was heard barking and the second dog was rescued.

"We don't know where they came from and how they ended up in the canal.

"We were concerned how they ended up in the canal and where the owner was. Crews were there for some time looking around."