PUEBLO WEST, Colo. — A horse fell into a collapsed septic tank on Saturday, and it took several emergency response units in Colorado to rescue the frightened, shivering animal.
According to a social media post by the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, the horse was trapped in chest-deep sewage in the septic tank, which was located in Pueblo West. Only her head and front hooves were above ground when first responders arrived.
“She was wet, cold and shaking from being in the frigid liquid that was in the tank,” the sheriff’s office wrote.
Great teamwork by Pueblo County Sheriff’s Emergency Services members, Pueblo West Fire, Pueblo West Metro District, Community Animal Rescue Team (CART) and a local veterinarian who worked to rescue a horse that had fallen into a collapsed septic tank in Pueblo West. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/x0YOH7DkYh
— PuebloCounty Sheriff (@PuebloCountySO) February 9, 2025
Members of the sheriff’s office emergency service team worked with Pueblo West Fire, Pueblo West Metro District, Community Animal Rescue Team (CART) and a veterinarian to free the horse.
Rescuers placed towing straps around the horse’s stomach and under her front legs, the sheriff’s office said. The veterinarian sedated the horse; using a truck-mounted crane, the animal was pulled from the hole and placed on the ground, where she was able to recover from being sedated.
3/4 Rescuers worked to put tow straps around the horses belly and under the front legs. A local vet sedated the horse and then, using a truck-mounted crane provided by Pueblo West Metro, the horse was pulled from the hole and placed on the ground to recover from the sedation. pic.twitter.com/u4nftS15yJ
— PuebloCounty Sheriff (@PuebloCountySO) February 9, 2025
“We’re happy to report the horse is awake, up on her feet and doing well,” the sheriff’s office wrote. “Kudos to all involved in this complicated but rewarding rescue.”
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