Hoboken Responds To 2 Near-Drownings Of Dogs In Hudson River

HOBOKEN, NJ — After two dogs had to be rescued from the Hudson River in separate incidents in Hoboken, the city is reminding residents of local rules for dog owners.

Back on April 28, firefighters had to rescue a man and a dog in Hoboken after they both got stuck in the Hudson River. The man had ventured into the river, with its strong currents, after his dog chased geese into the water. Then he began stranded and clung to a pier.

This past weekend, in an incident that was even covered by international news sites, a dog had to be rescued from the river again. READ MORE: Dog Is Rescued From Drowning In River Again

On Saturday, a nearby good Samaritan was able to get the dog out before first responders arrived.

Now, some in Hoboken are concerned it may happen again, and the next hero may not make it out of the river's deadly currents.

A man drowned in the river less than a year ago. Another fatal incident had occurred the previous July.

Hoboken public safety spokesperson Marci Rubin said late Monday: "The Hoboken PD received a call Saturday morning and notified the Harbor Patrol. The dog returned to land safely and quickly before public safety assistance was needed. While it's unclear from the video whether this dog had a leash on, all dog owners are reminded to keep their pet on a leash when outside and not in a designated dog park/run, as is required by city code."

Rubin noted, in response to a question, "The Hudson River currents can be very dangerous and are dependent on many factors, including season, tide cycles, and weather. Hoboken Public Safety has not noticed a higher volume of calls regarding animals needing rescue from the river."

READ MORE: Police Save Man Clinging To Hoboken Pier After He Went Into Hudson River To Rescue Dog