CHON BURI - Thirteen stray dogs were rescued on Friday after becoming trapped in a deep water retention pond lined with slippery polyethylene sheeting, triggering public concerns about the risk to both animals and people.
The situation came to public attention after a Facebook user posted an appeal for help on Friday morning.
The user said the dogs had fallen into the nearly empty pit in the Khao Mai Kaew area of Bang Lamung district. They were unable to climb out because of the slippery sheeting lining the banks of 20-rai pit.
Although it was unclear how long the dogs had been stranded, some appeared exhausted when Bang Lamung district officials and rescue workers arrived at the scene.
Rescue teams had to use tranquilliser darts to sedate the frightened animals, which panicked during the operation. Some rescuers were reportedly bitten and required rabies vaccinations.
Rope ladders were used to bring the dogs to safety. A volunteer rescuer posted at 8pm on Friday that all 13 dogs had been rescued. They were taken to a shelter in the province for further treatment.
The incident has also raised public concerns about the risk of similar accidents, as both animals and people could become trapped in water storage pits that might be inadequately secured.
