Portarlington locals praised for rescuing pony which was stuck in bog
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They spent five hours rescuing the pony from a bog hole by hand
Portarlington locals rolled in behind a five hour rescue to help save a pony which got badly stuck in a bog at the weekend.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(NSPCA) were alerted to the distressed pony by the Offaly Dog Warden on Sunday. They were told the pony had become trapped in a bog hole and was sinking.
NSPCA inspector James McCormack arrived at the scene and located the struggling pony at around 5.15pm. He immediately reached out to local people for assistance and along with the local Gardaí, every effort was made to free her, but the conditions were extremely difficult and there was no access for machinery of any kind.
“She was a healthy pony but despite her strength and determination, she was already well down in the bog and she was gradually losing the fight,” Insp McCormack stated.
Over the hours that followed, more people arrived to help including the pony’s owner, a department of agriculture veterinary inspector, Leinster Horse & Pony Rescue and MLHR all working together in a determined effort to save her.
“She was a strong pony. I tried to get her out a few times but she was that badly stuck in it, I was at nothing, I was getting jaded. Then people started arriving, then an awful lot of people arrived. I don’t think she would have lasted the night if she hadn’t gotten out of there,” Mr McCormack said.
“She was getting more tired the more she struggled, the more we tried to get her out. She kept sinking and sinking and sinking until we got her up to higher ground,” he said.
Mr McCormack praised those involved in the rescue as he had been very concerned for the pony’s welfare. “It was looking ominous, there was even a point there where it was looking ominous before the large number of people arrived,” he recalled.
Eventually, they managed to pull her from the bog hole, but she continued to sink and had to be dragged a considerable distance to safer ground.
A local vet also attended the scene and administered the necessary fluids to help sustain her. After five long and exhausting hours, the pony finally stood up. To the immense relief of everyone involved, she was then led to safety by her owner.
This morning we received an update that she is safely back in her stable and recovering well. It is believed that the pony may have accessed the bog after a gate was opened, as she had been kept securely in a paddock.
The NSPCA said “a huge thank you to everyone who attended, including the Department vet, the local Gardaí, other horse rescues, the attending vet, and the many local people whose efforts undoubtedly saved this pony’s life.”
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“Finally, thanks to the member of the public who raised the alarm. Their quick action ensured that this story had a happy ending.”
Portarlington Gardaí posted a message about their involvement in the rescue. They said: “As a member of An Garda Siochana, you never know what call you will be attending next. Well done to our Gardai in Portarlington for providing assistance to ensure a safe rescue.”