M25 roadblock as traffic held in rescue of 'limping' missing dog on the loose

A dog which had been missing for several days was rescued after being spotted running loose on the M25, with traffic held so the owners could get onto the motorway and safely rescue her. Gretl was 'so skinny' with 'very sore' paws when she was finally reunited with owner Lorraine Temple.

National Highways received a report from police of Gretl being spotted on the clockwise carriageway of the M25 between junctions 5 and 6 on Saturday, November 16. The speed limit on the motorway was reduced and a rolling roadblock put in place to hold traffic so Gretl could be safely rescued.

Control room operators used CCTV cameras to locate the dog which they recognised from social media as being a local Weimaraner called Gretl which had been missing for several days. Traffic officers couldn't catch Gretl so control room staff contacted her owners through the missing appeals to get them to come help with the rescue.

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Gretl spotted in a bush next to the motorway

Operations Manager Claire Rowley was on duty in the control room: “We get lots of reports of animals on the motorway, often with no trace. Using all CCTV cameras in the area there was a confirmed sighting of the dog in a bush next to the motorway.

“Our team updated the overhead gantries to reduce the speed limit and advise road users of an animal on the network whilst traffic officers performed a rolling roadblock to hold the traffic and provide a safe area for Gretl’s owners to attend. Local knowledge about Gretl’s missing appeal really helped with her rescue as we were able to relay important information to the traffic officers on the ground."

'I wasn't going to let her go again'

Escorted by traffic officers, Gretl’s owners drove to the location whilst traffic was controlled to ensure their safety. A relieved Lorraine Temple was reunited with Gretl at the roadside: “The National Highways people told us what to do, which is exactly what we needed after four nights of no sleep and four days of walking around looking for Gretl.

"We were told to jump in the car, get to Clacket Lane Services and look out for traffic officer Jason who escorted us onto the motorway. We spotted Gretl in the distance, and she was limping a bit because her paws were obviously very sore.

"I got out of the car and walked towards her, constantly talking to her, and it was the most amazing moment when she came towards me. I put my hands on her, a traffic officer came over and I was worried she was going to get spooked, but he was absolutely amazing.

"He had a lead which we popped around her neck and then I just teased her through the gap in the fence. She was so, so skinny, she was able to get through the gap and that was it - I had her in my arms and I wasn't going to let her go again.

“There aren't enough words for us to be able to thank both the traffic officers and those working in the control room. We will be eternally grateful and indebted. Saturday was the happiest day of our lives.”

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