Firefighters speak out on rescue mission for dog trapped in 12-inch gap 8 metres into rockface for 4 days

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Firefighters have issued a statement following two failed attempts to save a dog that has been trapped underground in Halifax for four days.

The dog was discovered on Thursday afternoon, prompting a group of volunteers to work tirelessly with power tools to try to save the trapped animal. The owner is said to be at the scene as the rescue effort to free the animal continues - prompting a huge response from town residents who have fetched food, fuel and manpower.

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West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue were called to assist with the huge rescue mission on two separate occasions, however, they have today confirmed that their attempts have sadly been unsuccessful and the dog remains "eight metres underground."

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said: "WYFRS were called to the scene twice (on the 26th and 27th of September), where our technical rescue unit tried to locate the dog.

Firefighters speak out on dog rescue mission as pet trapped 8 metres underground
Firefighters speak out on dog rescue mission as pet trapped 8 metres underground

"On the first occasion there was no sign of the animal except barking, so we left the scene in the hands of the dog’s owner. On the second occasion our cameras picked the animal up approximately 8 metres into the rock face.

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"Our firefighters could not access the animal within the rock as the gap was too narrow (approximately 12 inches at the widest part and then getting narrower), the animal was too deep into the rock face, and we could not drill into the rock without damaging the entire structural integrity of the area."

As the operation continues, updates will be provided here as more information becomes available. Follow along with our live blog, here.

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