UPDATE: Horse rescue in Prince George’s County, MD – ‘Robbie’ euthanized
Final update – press release
Despite the very best efforts of everyone involved, the outcome of a rescue incident does not always end with positive results.
Earlier today, Prince George’s County Firefighters were called to assist owners of a farm in the 9100 block of Old Ardwick-Ardmore Road with a sick/injured horse. The horse was found in his barn after falling sometime overnight and unable to right himself, he lay on his side exhausted from his efforts to stand up. The owner explained to firefighters that if the horse was not taken out of his barn and put in an upright stance then death would surely occur.
A portion of a barn was dismantled by firefighters to remove the 31-year-old horse. A hoisting system using ropes and pulleys was assembled to lift the animal into an upright position to give the horse the best possible chance of survival.
Firefighters from the St. Joseph Fire/EMS and Technical Rescue Station #806 were on the scene for 3 ½ hours during the effort to save the horse known as “Robbie.” Showing no signs of improvement and not being able to stand on his own, the owner and a vet made a very difficult decision to euthanize the horse earlier this afternoon.
There were 17 firefighter/medics on the scene that demonstrated compassion and provided care for the family and horse during the course of the event. The firefighters efforts and that of the owners, vets and other equine experts provided the best possible chance of survival.
1:30 p.m. update from PGFD Chief Spokesman Mark Brady via Twitter –
Effort to save 31-year old horse “Robbie” continues. Equine specialists & @usparkpolicepio Mounted Unit Rep on scene providing health advice.
Noon update
U/D. PGFD still assisting vet at scene of rescue. VET is trying everything to save horse who had been down for extended period of time.
Prince George’s County Firefighter/Medics are currently assisting in the rescue of a horse. Around 10:00 am firefighters from the Departments Technical Rescue Station, St. Josephs #806, were requested to assist with the rescue of a horse that had been trapped in a barn by heavy snow. St. Joes Tech Rescue Station is less then 1/2 mile from the scene of the rescue. The incident is occurring in the 9900 block of Old Ardwick-Ardmore Road in Springdale.
A horse had become sick and/or injured and required emergency veterinary services. The horse had become so exhausted from trying to free itself from the deep snow it collapsed. There is a vet on the scene treating the horse.
Firefighters assisted in accessing the horse and set up a rigging system to lift the horse up. Apparently it is not good for a sick horse to be laying down for an extended period of time.
These images are just in from scene with the rescue still in progress. Images by Paramedic Captain Roland Berg.
