Video: Cow’s Dramatic Rescue From 15-Foot Gutter

For Immediate Release:
August 13, 2019

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

We thought you and your readers might enjoy this PETA video released today of an emergency response team from the India-based animal protection organization Animal Rahat (“rahat” means “relief”) pulling off a dramatic rescue of a cow who was trapped in a deep water-filled gutter.

As the video shows, the cow was scared, stressed, and surrounded by a crowd of onlookers. Her owner attempted to free her, but he cut his leg and retreated. So it was up to Animal Rahat to save the day—and the poor cow. The group’s animal welfare inspector climbed down into the pit, and after gently stroking the cow’s nose to settle her nerves, he secured an industrial harness around her body, attached it to a crane, and gave the signal for the operator to pull her up and out. Once back on solid ground, she was treated for a minor leg injury, reunited with her human guardian and her bovine best friend, and given a tasty meal.

“After some tense moments, this precarious situation ended happily, with the cow safe, comfortable, and back with her family,” says Animal Rahat Veterinarian Dr. Naresh Chandra Upreti. “Animal Rahat hopes this incident inspires people around the world always to come to the aid of animals in distress and never to let animal companions stray from home.”

Animal Rahat is run by a dedicated staff that includes veterinarians, veterinary assistants, animal caretakers, and a community educator. Its efforts on behalf of animals include rescuing those who’ve fallen into deep wells and educating the community about the importance of putting up fencing around open wells and gutters to prevent incidents like this one. More information about the group’s work is available here.