Dog rescued from cliff at Crwbin Quarry, Bancffosfelen

Wednesday, 28 April 2010

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On the afternoon of Tuesday 24 April 2010, a Fire Service Officer was mobilised to Crwbin Quarry to assess a situation involving a dog which had fallen onto the ledge of a quarry. On arrival Station Manager Ricky Woodhead found an injured and distressed owner who had fallen whilst trying to reach her pet. The dog, a Basset Hound named Devon, was stranded on a ledge situated half way up a 45 metre rock face. Station Manager Woodhead said:

"In spite of the fact that the dog had fallen approximately 20 metres it appeared very calm and content as it looked down into the quarry. I was concerned that if the Fire Service did not act to rescue the animal then the owner might again try to carry out a rescue the consequences of which could be very serious".

Fire Crews form Llanelli, Carmarthen and Tumble were mobilised to the incident to begin setting up specialist rope rescue equipment whilst a specialist Fire Service Rope Rescue Team were called from various locations within the Service area. A number of anchor points were established at the top of the quarry and a specially trained technician was lowered to the dog. Watch Manager Andy Newman cautiously secured the dog and placed it into a cradle before being lowered to safe ground. After approximately 4 hours of sitting on the ledge the dog was reunited with its owner.

Station Manager Woodhead emphasised that the rescue posed numerous problems for Fire Service Personnel due to the location and difficult terrain which had to be negotiated before equipment could be set-up. He urged pet owners to consider the dangers associated with terrain where there were exposed edges. It was later confirmed that the dog had suffered injuries to its jaw and back legs.

Note to Editor:

Added By Paul Thomas on 28/04/2010