Tangipahoa Parish Animal Services rescues trapped puppy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller
(985) 748-3211

AMITE—After nearly four days of failed attempts, the Tangipahoa Parish Animal Services Department on Tuesday successfully rescued a resident’s puppy which had gone missing last week when it became trapped in a hole 22-feet below ground level.

Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller said the story began last Wednesday, when the pup went missing from a home off Richardson Road near Roseland. On Friday, homeowners found the dog in a hole next to their well pipe.

Tangipahoa Parish Animal Services attempted to assist the family in rescuing the dog, who was trapped in a hole approximately four inches in diameter and 22 feet below ground.

Over the course of the next several days, the dog owners and Animal Control Officer Shaun Besse would try different rescue techniques while also making sure that the puppy had food and water.

On Monday, Besse and Animal Control Officer Carrie Hartman continued rescue activities. The team also reached out to the Parish Maintenance Department and employee Allen Strahan responded to assist in constructing make-shift rescue equipment. Once constructed, the group initiated several additional rescue attempts that were all unsuccessful.

On Tuesday Animal Control reached out to Bill Cutrer, owner of Bill's Plumbing, for assistance with a remote camera to be able to see and maybe manipulate the puppy so that the rescue equipment could be utilized. Employees Chris Monistere and David Penton from Bill’s Plumbing responded and set up the camera. After several hours of attempts, Animal Control Superviser CJ Silk was given the go ahead from Animal Control Officer Shaun Besse to release the rescue equipment. With a 22 foot pull and run, the puppy was on the surface and free.

Miller said it is always great to see a successful rescue. "Training and patience proved beneficial in this rescue, as well as some good old community partnerships, improvisation and ingenuity to do what it takes to be successful. I know that Max is glad to be back with his family."