Florida rescuers hoist sludge-covered horse from septic tank

BUNNELL, Fla., Sept. 21 (UPI) -- A team of rescuers from multiple agencies came together in Florida to rescue a 24-year-old horse that fell into its owner's septic tank.

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office said deputies were joined Tuesday afternoon by personnel from St. Johns County Fire Rescue Special Operations, Flagler County Fire Rescue, and a team from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine when a 24-year-old mare named Mercy fell into a sludge-filled septic tank on her owner's Bunnell property.

Rescuers cut a larger opening in the septic tank and fitted Mercy with a harness, which they were eventually able to use to hoist the exhausted equine to safety.

"We tend to get them out of sinkholes, out of mud, everything else but a septic tank. We've gotten dogs, horses, cows," John Haven, executive director of UF's College of Veterinary Medicine, told WJXT-TV.

Rescuers said the horse suffered only minor scratches from her ordeal and was left in the care of her owners, Barbara and Harry Jones.

Deputies cautioned area residents to ensure horses are kept away from septic tanks, as ground above the tanks might not be able to support the 1,000-pound weight of a fully grown horse.