TOWN OF WILBRAHAM

240 Springfield Street

Wilbraham, Massachusetts 01095
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Robert W. Russell
Robert J. Boilard
Susan C. Bunnell

INTERIM TOWN ADMINISTRATOR

Thomas P. Sullivan
Phone: (413) 596-2800
FAX: (413) 596-9256

selectmen@wilbraham-ma.gov

Date:
February 18, 2015
Contact: Candace Ouillette Gaumond, Admin. Asst. to the TA/BOS
Phone: (413) 596-2800x101
Email: cgaumond@wilbraham-ma.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WILBRAHAM POLICE RESPOND TO ENSURE
LINCOLN, THE LABRADOR RETRIEVERS SAFETY
WILBRAHAM The Wilbraham Police Department investigates an incident that
occurred on Saturday, February 14, 2015, where a local six-year old, Labrador Retriever,
named Lincoln, entered the waters of Spec Pond during a charitable event, known as the
Polar Plunge. The Polar Plunge event was sponsored and organized by the Massachusetts
Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, a volunteer managed program that
raises funds for Special Olympics.
Although some members of the Wilbraham Police Department participated in the Polar
Plunge event to help support Special Olympics that day, Wilbraham Police Officers were
primarily present at the event to ensure public safety, particularly to the people taking the
plunge into the water. Unbeknownst to the Wilbraham Police Officers, at the beginning
of the day, they would also assisted Lincoln, a tail wagging and snow rolling dog out of
the water to the safety of a dry towel and warming tent.
Following the incident, the Wilbraham Police Department launched its investigation to
ensure the safety of Lincoln the Lab. According to Captain Timothy Kane of the
Wilbraham Police Department, we contacted the Massachusetts Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) in Boston to assist in investigating the
incident that involved Lincoln the dog. Kane further reports that, Lincoln, at the
direction of the Wilbraham Police Department, was seen by a licensed veterinarian at
Veterinary Clinic in Haydenville, Massachusetts.
Upon reviewing a full length video of the incident, receiving an update about Lincolns
health from a licensed veterinarian, interviewing the dogs owner and witnesses of the
incident, the Wilbraham Police Department and MSPCA discovered that Lincoln is an
avid winter swimmer, who often uses a floatation device when jumping into water for a
quick swim during ice fishing excursions with his owner. The day of the Polar Plunge,
Lincoln was in the water for roughly five to seven seconds. Following Lincolns quick

swim, he was immediately dried off, brought in a warming area and taken home ten
minutes later.
Lincoln has also been deemed as in perfect health. The veterinarian reported that
Lincoln is in great health and suffered no ill effects from this incident. Overall, as
Christine Allenberg, Officer from MSPCs Law Enforcement Division, pointed out, and
the Wilbraham Police Department concurred, there was no malicious intent to hurt
Lincoln during the Polar Plunge incident. The MSPCA indicated that this was not an
instance of animal cruelty, as defined by the Massachusetts General Law 272, Section 77.
For this reason and per other positive indications, Captain Kane reports that the
Wilbraham Police Department will not pursue Lincolns owner for criminal activity as a
result of unfounded evidence.
Throughout the investigation, Lincolns owner expressed his love and concern for his
dog, who he considers to be like his child. Lincolns owner and regular veterinarian, who
the Police Department contacted as well, confirmed that Lincoln is not mistreated.
Lincoln, as do most Labrador Retrievers, generally loves the water.
Labrador Retrievers, as a breed, are known to be powerful swimmers, with webbed toes
and otter-like tails that serve as rudders to steer while in the water. The Labs webbed
toes also serve as snowshoes to keep snow from accumulating between their toes. As
swimmers, Labs have a waterproof, double coat, where the soft undercoat of the dog
serves as a weather resistant, moisture repelling, insulating layer protecting the dog from
getting wet and rigid, cold temperatures and the outer coat reinforces the dogs double
coat, waterproof quality.
The Wilbraham Police Department does not condone animal cruelty. Wilbraham Police
Officers have the utmost respect for animals, particularly dogs, who often serve along
beside law enforcement. In Wilbraham, the Police Department has an active K-9 Unit,
where former police officer Ben, a Labrador retriever, and current police officer Charon,
a German Shepard, are loved and valued by all.

Wilbrahams K-9 Police Officers, Joseph Brewer & Ben

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