Central Okanagan

A pregnant horse really stepped in it late Sunday morning.

Photo: Contributed - Joe Rich Fire Department

The Joe Rich Fire Department rescued a horse which had fallen into a septic tank on Sunday.

The Joe Rich Fire Department had to be called out to perform a unique rescue after a horse fell into a septic tank.

When fire crews arrived at the scene, they discovered a pregnant horse had become trapped in a three foot wide, eight foot deep septic tank.

One member of the Joe Rich Department brought in his back hoe to do the heavy lifting, while other firefighters dug by hand and, aided with hydraulic tools, managed to break through the sides of the cement cylinder tank to clear space for the exhausted horse to exit.

The back hoe then lowered a strap down and around the front shoulders of the animal and a group heave succeeded in getting the horse up and out.

After a 20 minute rest and some oxygen the horse was able to stand and appears to be OK. Especially after the rescue truck was hooked up to give the mare a much needed bath after her ordeal. 

Video: Kelly Hayes