TWO eagled-eyed traffic officers helped save the life of an injured dog after spotting it lying in the central reservation barrier on the M42 near Redditch.
After stopping traffic temporarily to check on the animal, Highways England traffic officers Nigel Lea and Simon Fuszard discovered the animal was alive but had been badly injured.
Desperate to keep the dog alive (a German Shepherd cross), the quick-thinking crew covered the animal in an emergency foil blanket – usually reserved for keeping human casualties warm. They then set about calling the RSPCA to collect the dog and take it for urgent medical treatment.
The crew closed lane four for a short time to look after the animal and protect themselves from passing traffic, until the RSPCA arrived.
“It was obvious that the dog had been badly injured and when I approached it was a shock to see it lift its head up,” said Nigel. “We were keen to do whatever we could to help keep it calm and warm until the RSPCA arrived. “We don’t always get many happy endings when it comes to animals and motorways but thankfully this was one case that ended well.”
Highways England Duty Operations Manager, Colin Lowther, added: “Both officers were true professionals and all of their decisions were made with safety and customer service at heart. I am very pleased to state ‘Bo’ was chipped and her owners were delighted to be reunited with her.”
‘Bo’ made a full recovery from a fractured hip.
