Firefighters go the extra mile for dog in distress
She explained they worked for three to four hours to free Lucy and described the ordeal as gut-wrenching.
They say every dog has its day. For Lucy, a Collie owned by a family in Brakpan North, last Tuesday was possibly one of her worst.
Collies are inquisitive by nature, and Lucy’s curiosity got her into possible life-threatening trouble when she stuck her head through the rim of a tyre and was unable to free herself.
Fortunately for her, the Brakpan SPCA and firefighters from the Brakpan Fire Station came to her rescue and she was eventually freed from her uncomfortable new ‘collar’.
Brakpan SPCA inspector Mariska Venter told the Herald the society received an emergency call from Lucy’s owner at around 19:00.
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The family, who live along Hewitt Street, had been desperately trying to free their pet from the rim without success.
“They tried dishwashing liquid and all sorts but nothing would work,” said Venter.
Help arrived but after toiling with no luck, it was decided to remove the tyre from the vehicle and head off to the fire station. The desperate rescuers arrived at the fire station, banged on the door and explained the situation.
“They were all absolutely amazing. They could have turned us away, but didn’t,” said Venter.
She explained they worked for three to four hours to free Lucy and described the ordeal as gut-wrenching.
“The fire department was excellent. They tried everything, all the tricks in the book,” Venter continued.
“At first they used the jaws of life, but on a 4×4 rim and tyre, there wasn’t much space to work with.”
A hand-saw was then used to cut through the aluminium rim.
“It was hard work. We all took turns, even the security guard,” she said.
Their persistence paid off and Lucy was freed from the metal restraint much to everyone’s relief.
“Lucy was so relieved. She wouldn’t leave her owner’s lap afterwards,” said Venter.
The SPCA expressed their gratitude to the firefighters and security guard for their assistance.
Those who helped were Rudzani Rambevha, Gladice Mantwa Rammutla, Lefu Samuel Shabalala, Matrina Khumalo, Mogolane Phala, Lefu Pule and security officer P Zwane.
“It could have ended in tragedy, but we had a happy ending,” added Venter.
