Two spaniels have had a lucky escape after falling down a disused mine shaft in a pit village in County Durham.
Pixie and Lola, the two English springer spaniels, fell down the 20ft hole as it was hidden by thick bushes and shrubbery in a field just outside Sacriston.
The 20ft hole was not visible nor was it signposted when the poor dogs stumbled across it while out on a walk.
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Their owner, Aggie Rzemieniak, has praised the Animal Rescue Unit at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue for their support in getting the dogs out of the 20ft drop safely.
She has also thanked the local community for their amazing response on Facebook and to those who helped take part in the search.
Aggie Rzemieniak said: “It was such a relief having them back safe and sound thanks to an amazing Animal Rescue Unit at Durham and Darlington Fire & Rescue. I had no idea we had such a fantastic service at our doorstep and I really can’t praise them enough for how well they have dealt with my two distressed pooches. I also didn’t know there was an open well there which really need covering for the sake of safety of anyone walking there. I really hope this will be taken seriously by an appropriate services. I wouldn’t want to see the situation repeating itself. “
Disused mines are common across many parts of North East but especially in the pit villages of County Durham.
Open holes like these can be dangerous especially if animals or even members of the public encounter them in the dark and they aren't signposted.
