Girlie the mule and Tick the horse nearly drowned in mud on Sunday at Merrow Farm on Converse Road before the Marion Fire Department and a host of rescue assistants came onto the scene.
“We are pleased to report that both animals are recovering and doing well at this time,” said Marion Fire Chief Brian Jackvony in a press release issued by the town. “I’d like to commend all members of the department who worked in this effort to save them. I’d also like to thank Plymouth County Tech Rescue and Mattapoisett Fire for their assistance. All parties worked cohesively for a positive outcome.”
The call came in at approximately 5:00 pm on August 17 with the report of a horse and mule stuck in mud. Firefighters found the mule and the horse neck-deep, and both animals were experiencing labored respiration.
Joined in the effort by Animal Control Officer Susan Connor, Marion firefighters and the animals’ owners dug as much mud as they could from around the animals to alleviate the physical pressure.
The Fire Department used a winch from its brush breaker, along with pulleys, straps, and a sling to pull the animals from the mud. Both the horse and the mule escaped without injury. A veterinarian evaluated them at the scene.
The three-hour ordeal came to a successful conclusion thanks to technical expertise provided by Connor and Washburn Stables. Their guidance helped prevent injury as the animals were slowly pulled from the mud.
Responding units included C-1, C-2, A-1, E-1, S-2, Breaker-127, and Plymouth County Tech Rescue. Mattapoisett Fire Rescue provided station coverage, and the Plymouth County Large Animal Rescue Team was activated and arrived on scene near the end, and personnel cleared at 8:00 pm.
Town of Marion Press Release
