The UC Davis Veterinarian Emergency Response Team (VERT) rescued a horse Wednesday after it fell down an embankment and into a small creek in El Dorado County. They called on the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District for assistance.
"The vet got a call about a down horse," said VERT President Megan Schutte. "So we went out there." Schutte explained that many people don't know that this kind of resource exists, so often times animals in similar situations just end up getting euthanized.
Metro Fire described the rescue in a release:
The request indicated the horse had been at the bottom of the embankment for four hours and was on its side unable to stand. VERT member Dr. Cheryl Ellis told us the horse was not going to make it up the embankment under its own power, and she thought the horse would survive if we could help.
Metro Fire has worked with UC Davis for the last two years on a large animal recue program, and has an agreement with them to provide rescue assistance. Metro Fire assisted UC Davis, Pioneer Fire, and the El Dorado County Animal Control officer with ropes and other rescue equipment. The horse was successfully removed from the creek bottom. As of 6:30pm, the horse was standing on his own, eating and drinking. Dr. Cheryl Ellis says she is optimistic for a full recovery.
To learn more about the VERT program, check out this event on April 7. All proceeds go toward the program and will be used to train veterinary students. Admission will include tri-tip, chicken, beer, wine, music and more.
