BUTLER COUNTY —Emergency crews rescued a horse from a frozen pond in Butler County.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Butler County Animal Response Team received a mutual aid request from Andover Fire-Rescue for a horse last seen on Tuesday evening that was stuck out on the ice on a pond, according to a social media report.
The three year old 1800 pound draft mare was 15-20 feet out on the pond but had not broken through the ice. She was discovered around noon Wednesday.
Andover Fire-Rescue was able to move her off the ice onto the shore. The horse was unable to stand on her own.
At 1:30p.m., the Butler County Animal Response Team arrived on scene and a veterinarian sedated the horse and secured the animal on a rescue glide so she could be moved away from the pond and onto level, and drier, ground.
Rescuers gave the horse fluids and she was blanketed, and allowed to rest and recover. When she was unable to stand, a Becker Sling was applied, and with the assistance of a skip loader, she was raised to a standing position.
After a period of recovery, several attempts were made to have her bear weight. She was unable to stand and lowered back to the ground. The veterinarian remained on scene administering treatment and she was covered and allowed to further rest and recover.
The Butler County Animal Response Team is comprised of volunteers from all over Butler County. They were on scene about 90 minutes after request for assistance.
"Andover Fire's actions and care were a crucial component in getting her to the safety of solid ground. Once we were able to provide the necessary large animal equipment, and trained large animal rescue volunteers, we were able to move her safely away to level and dry ground."
"The owner of the horse, a borrowed skid loader, and veterinarian on site were also important to effecting the rescue."
"Please keep this sweet girl in your thoughts and prayers that she makes a successful recovery."