Ten-year-old Ziggy finally coaxed from drain after spending night underground!
A dog who disappeared down a drain pipe spent 19 hours underground after refusing to come back up to the surface!
The 10-year-old Patterdale terrier’s worried owner, Lauren Flintoft, contacted the RSPCA and fire and rescue service after Ziggy disappeared underground at the farm owned by her in-laws in Ripon, North Yorkshire.
Ziggy had been out on a walk on Monday evening last week (29 May) when he disappeared down the drain pipe and refused to re-surface.
Owner Lauren explained: “This is the third time he’s been down a hole chasing something or following a scent.
“I was worried he might have been stuck and that’s why he didn’t appear. My husband Tim (pictured) spent the whole night trying to entice him out and, when he didn’t emerge, I called in help.”
RSPCA animal collection officer (ACO) Faebian Vann attended on Tuesday morning (30 May) to help with the efforts.
The group managed to trace the underground pipes and used a digger to dig two holes to try to get to the stricken pooch. They dug some clay and soil out so Ziggy could clamber out of the hole.
ACO Vann said: “Thankfully Ziggy wasn’t injured, but he had got himself a little trapped in some clay. However, he eventually emerged and was, luckily, completely unscathed.
“He’s now back home with his owners where he belongs - and no doubt he’ll be getting up to no good again very soon!”
In April, another rescue mission had to be launched after a different Patterdale terrier - called Jet - scampered down into the drain pipes in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. It took RSPCA officers, firefighters, Yorkshire Water and local construction workers six hours to dig the terrier out.
ACO Vann added: “Dogs - particularly terriers like Ziggy - have a very strong natural chase instinct and can often disappear down holes following their noses or a rabbit.
“That’s why it’s so important to have a good recall so you can be certain your dog will return to you before roaming too far. However, if they do get themselves trapped somewhere we’d always urge owners to get in touch with us by calling our 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999.”
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give or text LOVE to 87023 to give £3 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).