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Small Pony in ‘Stable’ Condition After Rescue From Storm Drain

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Tony Maples Photography

 

The rainy weather that’s been plaguing much of Texas this month almost claimed the life of a small pony in Houston this week. A police officer, responding to a call about an abandoned vehicle, heard a noise coming from a nearby storm drain. The officer reportedly expected to see a dog when he looked in the drain, but instead found a small horse who had fallen. The good news is that after several hours of rescue maneuvers, the horse is now safe and being cared for by BARC (Houston’s Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care).

Pony Remained Calm Amid Rescue Efforts

Small Pony in ‘Stable’ Condition After Rescue From Storm Drain

Photo: Facebook/BARCHouston

Officials do not know who exactly the horse belongs to, nor how the pony fell into the drain. Reports suggest that the grate was off of the storm drain at the time of the pony’s accident, though. The Houston Fire Department had to use concrete cutting chainsaws to help free the animal and then had to sedate and harness the horse in an effort to pull him to safety.

Pony Expected To Make Full Recovery

Small Pony in ‘Stable’ Condition After Rescue From Storm Drain

Photo: Facebook/BARC

The pony suffered an abdominal puncture as well as minor cuts and bruises in the fall, but is expected to fully recover. The equine also reportedly appeared to be calm amid the chaos of the two-plus hour rescue effort. There is no word on if the pony will be turned back over to his owners or put up for adoption.

Pack of Stray Dogs Might Have Chased Pony

Small Pony in ‘Stable’ Condition After Rescue From Storm Drain

Photo: Facebook/BARCHouston

A nearby resident told the Houston Chronicle that he believes the Shetland pony belongs to a neighbor, due to the fact that the pony was wearing a harness and had a braided mane. The neighbor also told the newspaper that a pack of stray dogs has been terrorizing the area, killing ponies and sheep. He suspects that the pack of dogs likely chased this pony, causing him to fall in the open storm drain. Shetland ponies are generally gentle, good-natured animals but sadly, are often vulnerable to animal attacks, due to their short stature and lack of defense.