Crews rescue horse from mud pit in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- A rescue crew in Philadelphia worked to lift a horse to freedom after it became stuck in a mud pit for hours.

Fame Fire Co. shared a photo as crews attempted to pull the stranded horse out of the muddy area.

The horse's owner told CBS Philadelphia the horse was walking in water when it became stuck and then began to panic, ultimately digging itself deeper into the mud pit.

"About 80 percent of the horse was submerged," Lt. William Cahill told the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The 18-year-old, 1,700-pound horse was tranquilized as rescue crews attempted to use chains and a sling to stabilize the animal as about two dozen rescuers appeared on the scene.

It was eventually removed from the hole; no word on injuries.