Pug rescued after falling more than 130ft down well in Kent
Firefighters describe the "miracle" rescue of three-year-old Kiki, who fell down a well in her family's back garden.
Thursday 25 April 2019 13:15, UK
A pug was rescued by firefighters after falling more than 130ft (40m) down a disused well in her owner's garden.
Kiki, the three-year-old pug, was saved after her rescuers came up with an elaborate contraption to safely pull her out of the deep hole.
Firefighters deemed a manual rescue too dangerous and devised an ingenious plan to rescue the family pet.
In a 45-minute rescue, the crew of four attached a number of ropes to an empty kit bag, filled it with the pug's favourite food, and lowered it into the well.
Tempted by the food, Kiki climbed into the bag before two firefighters hauled the rescue device to the top of the well.
Apparently without any injury despite her fall, she "bounced straight out of the bag and ran around the garden", according to a statement from the fire crew.
Kent Fire and Rescue crew manager Graham Porter said he was pleased to see Kiki rescued safely and securely.
He said: "It's a miracle she didn't appear to have any injuries after falling that far, but she seemed okay and enjoyed a cuddle with the crew post-rescue - all's well that ends well."
The pug, mucky from her time in the well, was given a shower and little red jumper to wear before the crew posed for a photo with her.
The dog fell into the hole just before 8pm on Tuesday at her family home in Rainham, Kent.