Video Shows LA Firefighters Rushing to Rescue 1200-Pound Horse From Sinkhole
More than fifty firefighters were involved in the rescue of a 1,200 pound horse that got trapped when a sinkhole opened up in the backyard of a resident in Lakeview Terrace.
Firefighters were eventually able to pull her out, hoisting her with the help of an excavator after the very lucky horse was stuck for hours in the muddy ground.
The TikTok video, shared by @abcnews shows the absolutely incredible rescue.
ABC7 reports, "The name of the game is to not hurt the horse, to keep her calm," LAFD Capt. Erik Scott said while the rescue was still underway. "She's been in mild to moderate distress at this time and we want to get her freed and get more definitive care."
Related: Portland Firefighters Race to Rescue Dog Who'd Been Swallowed Up by Sinkhole
The new report also states that a helicopter was also launched but it was determined the best approach was to use an excavator and vacuum truck to dig out the sand and then lift the horse out with straps to the point where she could use her hind legs to assist the final effort. After her rescue, the horse was walking around and didn't seem to be in any distress.
This horse certainly loves up to her name!
Other Animals That Have Been Trapped In Sinkholes
In March of 2023, a Portland, Oregon family had to have their dog rescued when a sinkhole opened up on their backyard. Using the pup's harness, as well as some additional safety and rescue equipment, first responders were able to lift the dog out of the 10-foot-deep sinkhole.
In February of 2022, a Golden Retriever named Macy in Illinois was trapped in a five-foot sinkhole. The local fire department was notified, and Fire Chief Fred McClellan and engineer Tim Red arrived on the scene shortly. They first attempted to get Macy out of the hole using a ladder, but, as an older dog, she was having trouble climbing. McClellan's next move was to climb into the whole himself and wrap some webbing around Macy. Macy was fine after her rescue.
In February of 2019 another Golden Retriever named Ruby was rescued from a San Diego sinkhole that had opened up in the street.
In December of 2022 in Compton, California, a 15-year-old German Shepherd dog named Maya fell 15 feet into an old septic tank sinkhole.
And just four days ago a little calf in Kentucky fell into a sinkhole and the poor thing was rescued by later died.
If your pet, or you witness any animal, falling into a sinkhole it’s important to notify emergency workers immediately when an animal is in trouble.
As a pet owner I never thought to give sinkholes a second thought, but thanks to this horse named Lucky it's all I'll be thinking about today! What a scary situation to be in for any pet owner!
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