DOG owners in Cornwall are urged to be aware of open mine shafts after a Rottweiler fell down an insecure shaft near Redruth last weekend.
The owner of three-year-old Maddie reported on Saturday morning that he could hear his pet from down the 20-metre mine shaft.
Fire crews from Redruth, Camborne and Penzance attended the call and successfully rescued the 50 kilogramme pooch in the Piece/Carnkie area nearly 24 hours after she had gone missing.
Camborne red watch crew manager Mike Warren said his specialist line rescue team quickly rigged up and one firefighter from Camborne was lowered into the depths of the old Cornish mine workings. He explained: "On reaching the bottom of the shaft it was discovered to be completely flooded but the dog had somehow managed to keep its head above the water and swim around for 24 hours.
"Fortunately the Rottweiler was very pleased to see its guardian angel appear and didn't put up too much of a struggle or fight.
"Because of the restraints of working in a flooded shaft a second firefighter had to be lowered into the shaft to assist in manoeuvring the dog into a special rescue net.
"Very soon both firefighters and the dog were recovered to the surface, all three in good spirits and with the dog being reunited with a relieved owner.
"Although this incident had a happy ending Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service would like to emphasise the point of being aware of the surroundings in which you exercise your dog.
"Most of Cornwall's mine shafts have been capped but many remain open and insecure as was the case with this one overgrown and almost invisible.
"Please don't let the next dog rescue from a shaft be yours, keep to identifiable paths and if in any doubt keep your dog on a lead."
