An adult dog rescued by firefighters six days ago after becoming stuck between two fences is yet to be claimed by its owner. The male, tan-coloured American Staffordshire terrier was fatigued and dehydrated when crews were called to help save it on May 7.
Fire and Rescue NSW Albion Park Station Officer Dennis Cornell said the dog was wedged between a vertical wall of rocks and a concrete panel fence opposite Mount Terry Public School. Crews had to dismantle the fence to free the pooch, which was whimpering and looking at them with sad eyes.
Despite appeals through the Mercury, social media, and council, the dog remained unclaimed as of May 13. Nicknamed Magic by council staff, the dog had no identifying tags and was not microchipped. Rangers estimate Magic is about four years old.
Magic will remain on the lost dog register for seven days, until May 14, before being put up for adoption. A Shellharbour Council spokeswoman said members of the public interested in adopting Magic can register an expression of interest from May 14.
Albion Park firefighters were smitten with Magic from the moment of rescue. Station Officer Cornell noted that despite being in pain, the dog did not growl or bite, but licked the hand of the firefighter who freed him. The officer posted photos to a local Facebook page, attracting many likes but no claims of ownership.
Fire and Rescue NSW crews respond to about 2000 animal rescues across NSW each year. Station Officer Cornell has been called to rescue horses stuck in mud, cats up trees, and dogs under homes. Other local rescues include a calf stuck backwards down a wombat hole and a golden retriever that fell 20 metres down a cliff face in Kiama.
