RSCPA rescue dog trapped for 19 hours underground in Ripon

A dog which disappeared down a drain pipe in Ripon had to be rescued by the RSPCA after it spent 19 hours underground refusing to resurface.
Ziggy's owner Tim and the mischievous pooch have a cuddle as they are finally re-united. Picture: Lauren FlintoffZiggy's owner Tim and the mischievous pooch have a cuddle as they are finally re-united. Picture: Lauren Flintoff
Ziggy's owner Tim and the mischievous pooch have a cuddle as they are finally re-united. Picture: Lauren Flintoff

Ziggy, a 10-year-old Patterdale terrier had been out for a walk with his owner Lauren Flintoff at the family farm in Ripon, on Monday evening last week (May 29).

But after the mischievous mutt disappeared underground and refused to come back up, a worried Mrs Flintoft, contacted the RSPCA and fire and rescue service.

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She said: “This is the third time he’s been down a hole chasing something or following a scent.

Ziggy is rescued. Picture: Lauren FlintoffZiggy is rescued. Picture: Lauren Flintoff
Ziggy is rescued. Picture: Lauren Flintoff

“I was worried he might have been stuck and that’s why he didn’t appear. My husband Tim spent the whole night trying to entice him out and, when he didn’t emerge, I called in help.”

The next morning (Tuesday May 30) RSPCA animal collection officer (ACO), Faebian Vann, came to Ziggy's rescue.

The group managed to trace the underground pipes and used a digger to get to the stricken pooch which had become trapped in some clay.

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But eventually the clay-clad canine manged to clamber out unscathed.

Tim reaches into the hole to try and save Ziggy. Picture: Lauren FlintoffTim reaches into the hole to try and save Ziggy. Picture: Lauren Flintoff
Tim reaches into the hole to try and save Ziggy. Picture: Lauren Flintoff

Mr Vann said: “Thankfully Ziggy wasn’t injured, but he had got himself a little trapped in some clay. However, he eventually emerged and was, luckily, completely unscathed.

“He’s now back home with his owners where he belongs - and no doubt he’ll be getting up to no good again very soon!”

In April, another rescue mission had to be launched after another Patterdale terrier, called Jet, scampered down into the drain pipes in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

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It took RSPCA officers, firefighters, Yorkshire Water and local construction workers six hours to dig Jet out.

Two holes had to be dug to save Ziggy. Picture: Lauren FlintoffTwo holes had to be dug to save Ziggy. Picture: Lauren Flintoff
Two holes had to be dug to save Ziggy. Picture: Lauren Flintoff

Mr Vann said: “Dogs - particularly terriers like Ziggy - have a very strong natural chase instinct and can often disappear down holes following their noses or a rabbit.

“That’s why it’s so important to have a good recall so you can be certain your dog will return to you before roaming too far.

"However, if they do get themselves trapped somewhere we’d always urge owners to get in touch with us by calling our 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999.”

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