The RSPCA nominated a team of 15 for an award after they rescued an English Bull Terrier from a drainage tunnel. Because of the team’s heroic efforts during the 18-hour rescue operation, the lucky dog gets a second chance at life.
A Community Comes Together During 18-Hour Rescue Operation
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) says the rescue was difficult. It required assistance from volunteers, contractors, firefighters, and its own staff. The 18-hour rescue operation took place in Black Carr Woods in Leeds. The forested area is located about 30 minutes outside of Manchester, England.
Rescuers required the use of thermal imaging and an excavator after the English Bull Terrier named Martha became stuck 85 feet inside a drainage culvert. Rebecca Goulding, an animal rescue officer for the RSPCA, contacted the local council who gave the go-ahead to begin digging.
“At first the Yorkshire Water teams used rods to try and reach her,” Goulding describes. “Because a bit of the pipe had broken further down the tunnel, they were unable to get the equipment past that point.”
Facebook Post Brings Additional Help
The managing director of Dr. Drainage, Fez Mazhar, said his business partner saw the plea for help on a Facebook group. Mazhar told the West Leeds Dispatch that the English Bull Terrier had been stuck for over twelve hours. He quickly responded, offering his services to the complex rescue mission. Mazhar hired an excavator to dig to the open the blockage. Yorkshire Water provided the team a specialized camera. The camera allows rescuers to determine the trapped dog’s location within the culvert pipe.
“We’d also like to recognize the efforts of the fire service who were the first organization on the scene and the local authority who very promptly gave us permission to dig on their land,” Goulding stated. “It was a long and complex operation but no-one gave up.” Martha’s owner, Susan O’Reilly Millicient, says she was humbled by the efforts of the community.
