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On Sunday, fire and rescue crews in Stafford County rescued a horse.
Here’s more in a press release:
At [11:o8 a.m.] Sunday January 11, 2015 Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department and an Animal Control Officer from the Stafford Sheriff’s Office responded to 9 Colyer Rd for a large animal rescue.
During their response units were advised that a horse was stranded on a frozen pond. Upon arrival Fire Rescue personnel learned that the horse had been lying on the ice for approximately one hour and was unable to stand.
Battalion Chief Donald Lace and Stafford Sheriff’s Sgt. Rex Rockhill notified the Large Animal Rescue Team from Culpeper County and a local Veterinarian to assist with the incident due to the need for specialized equipment.
Due to the extended response time for the Animal Rescue Team and the horse’s deteriorating condition Fire Rescue personnel made the decision to remove the horse from the pond. After ensuring firefighters could safely reach the animal a haul system was constructed and the horse was safely brought to shore. After reaching the shore the horse was unable to stand and due to the possibility of hypothermia the crews covered the horse with blankets to maintain his body temperature.
The veterinarian arrived and determined the horse’s body temperature was low and administered warm fluids. Once his condition improved the Large Animal Rescue moved the horse to more stable ground where he eventually stood up and began eating and drinking.
Thanks to the excellent teamwork by all involved this unique rescue had a positive outcome and one very happy horse.
