There is an uncomfortable truth that few consider: wells are more dangerous than they seem. These holes in the ground often go unnoticed until an accident occurs. Whether it’s a person or an animal, falling into one can have fatal consequences.
A clear example of this occurred recently in Stockton, in the state of Ohio, where a dog was rescued from a concrete pit approximately 4.5 meters deep. According to the emergency services that went to the area, it was an absolute miracle to find him and that, furthermore, he was still alive.
The incident took place in a desolate area known as Phoenix Sidings. A man walking his dogs for the first time in that location discovered the trapped animal after noticing that the well cover was partially open. The rapid intervention of the RSPCA, supported by firefighters and the public, was crucial to the rescue of the dog, which rescuers named Badger.
Given the severity of the situation and the risks associated with the depth and narrowness of the well, professional help was required. A firefighter specializing in water rescue descended into the well and used fire hoses as harnesses to safely restrain and extract the dog, which was in critical condition.
Badger, who was wearing a studded leather collar and microchip, although without an updated registration, is believed to have been trapped for several days after being lost. The dog survived by drinking contaminated water which, although it kept him alive, caused serious blisters on his skin and the inside of his mouth.
Cleveland Fire Brigade expressed its delight at the success of the rescue and the recovery status of the dog, who is in the care of the RSPCA. The organization is now focusing on finding Badger’s owner, who has not yet turned up. According to the rescuers, it is a friendly and docile animal, and it is hoped that it will soon be reunited with its family.
