A young fawn found itself in a perilous situation in Oakland County, Michigan, but thanks to the quick actions of Bloomfield Township Animal Control Officer Elizabeth Summerfield, the story had a happy ending. The fawn, which had been trapped under a swimming pool cover, was spotted last Sunday by homeowners and reported to the authorities, resulting in Summerfield's swift response and successful rescue effort. According to a CBS News report, Summerfield, without hesitation, dived into the pool and saved the drowning animal.
Officer Summerfield, who serves as one of two dedicated animal control officers for the township, performed the rescue by swimming under the pool cover to retrieve the fawn after the homeowners discovered the distressed animal struggling to stay afloat. Summerfield shared her experience in an interview with WXYZ, stating, "I had to swim under the cover to get to the fawn who was about to give up." After the rescue, Summerfield spent 40 minutes by the animal's side, drying and massaging it until it could stand again and eventually be reunited with its mother, who had been waiting nearby throughout the ordeal.
The report by ClickOnDetroit highlights the compassion and dedication of Summerfield who, according to a department statement, is credited with her courage, quick action, and compassionate approach. This incident underscores an increasing number of similar wildlife emergencies, as Kelley LaBonty, director of the Detroit Animal Welfare Group, noted in a WXYZ interview that, "This year has been an exceptionally hard year for fawns," mentioning that her facility is currently treating several fawns with injuries.
In light of the incident, Officer Summerfield urged pool owners to ensure their pool covers are fully secured and tight when not in use to prevent such wildlife incidents. For those seeking guidance on what to do should they encounter a similar situation, PETA offers a resource guide available online, outlining steps to safely assist wild animals found in and around home pools.
