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A COUNTRY Fire Authority commander has praised crews who worked together to rescue a horse that fell into a well in Donald.
The CFA was called to the incident on Morgans Road about 8.07am on Tuesday.
CFA Commander Paul Illman said the boards covering the well gave way when the horse unintentionally walked over it.
The animal was trapped in the five-metre deep well for almost four hours.
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Commander Illman said there had been a considerable amount of water in the well, with crews pumping the water out so the animal could stand safely.
He said the RSPCA and a local vet arrived on scene about 11.30am, and were able to safely sedate the horse so it could be rescued.
The horse was placed in a harness and safely lifted out with a crane about 12.07pm.
Commander Illman said despite some minor injuries to its legs, the horse left the ordeal mostly unscathed.
"The vet gave the horse a quick health check and they were quite happy with the horse's welfare," he said. "The horse was given back to the owner and the owner will provide extra support."
Commander Illman said the horse's owner was there throughout the rescue and had been quite distressed by the situation.
"She felt more comfortable when all the rescue teams arrived," he said. "She was very much relieved when the horse was removed and extremely grateful."
Commander Illman only moved up to the region from Melbourne about five months ago and said the rescue was unlike anything he had been part of before. He commended the teams for their work.
"It was a multi-agency operation," he said. "Everyone worked extremely well together and communicated well.
"We were mindful of the COVID situation and mindful of each others safety."
12.30pm
COUNTRY Fire Authority crews have rescued a horse that was trapped in a well in Donald, north-west of Bendigo.
A CFA spokesperson said crews used a sling to successfully lift the horse.
The animal was lifted out at 12.08pm, about four hours after crews were called to the incident on Morgans Road.
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The RSPCA and a vet were on scene to assess the horse.
The CFA spokesperson said the horse appeared to have only minor injuries to its legs.
11.15am
A COUNTRY Fire Authority mine rescue brigade has arrived to assist with the rescue of the horse.
Two tankers from the brigade are at the scene on Morgans Road in Donald, north-west of Bendigo.
The Fire Rescue Victoria tanker was sent back.
A CFA spokesperson said a crew from Donald had successfully pumped out a significant amount of water from the well.
The horse was now able to stand on solid ground, the spokesperson said.
Crews were still waiting for a vet to arrive on scene.
Earlier
A HORSE is trapped down a well in Donald, north-west of Bendigo.
One Country Fire Authority tanker and police were called to the incident on Morgans Road about 8.07am on Tuesday.
A CFA spokesperson said the horse was about 5m down the well. Crews were using a rope to keep the horse's head above water.
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The RSPCA and a vet have been notified about the incident.
The CFA spokesperson said a Fire Rescue Victoria tanker from Bendigo had been called to assist with the rescue.
One of the CFA's mine rescue brigades had also been called to help.
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