Dog rescue a success for Civil Defence volunteers

Five members of Taupo’s Civil Defence Emergency Response Team were in action last night rescuing a family pet perched above a 150 metre drop, out towards Kinloch.

 

At 5.30 pm last night, police advised the local volunteer group that a Jack Russell dog was stranded on a platform over a steep bluff on the Kinloch – Kawakawa walking track. Minutes later, the team found the dog perched on an 8 inch ledge, 6 metres down from the path, with a 150 sheer drop down to the lake.

 

Team Leader Phil Parker said he couldn’t understand how the dog managed to stay there. “The poor dog was very stressed when we arrived – how he managed to stay there, I don’t know,” he said.

 

An abseil retrieval line was immediately set up with Scott Devonport going over the edge, assisted by the crew Phil Parker, Tia Rakei, Tracie Donnelley and Damian Thwaites.

 

The rescue was a success with the Gisbourne family very happy and relieved to have their pet back on firm ground. The rescue took 2 1/2hrs from start to finish.