Authorities have sealed off open mine shafts in Central Victoria after a missing dog was rescued from one by specialist volunteers.
Ted, a pet labrador, fell 8 metres into a mine shaft in Wombat State Forest near Trentham. He escaped from his backyard with a labradoodle named Penny last week.
Four days later, Penny’s barking alerted neighbors. They found her guarding the mine shaft on Monday morning.
The Country Fire Authority’s (CFA) mine rescue team, Oscar 1, carried out the rescue.
First Lieutenant Karl Shay said the mine shaft was small and hard to reach.
“There was a log covering the top, and the opening was only about 80 by 80 centimetres,” he said.
The team sent down a monitor to check the air inside was safe. Then, a rescuer lifted Ted out using a dog harness.
Mr. Shay added there were three other mine shafts very close to the one where Ted was trapped.
“You have to be very careful when walking in the bush,” he warned.
He also said the mine rescue team often helps rescue dogs.
“Luckily, dogs usually don’t get hurt when they fall in a mine shaft,” he said. “Humans tend to get more serious injuries.”
The CFA has placed warning tape around several open mine shafts in the area to stop future accidents.
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