Minnesota dog’s rescue sheds light on danger of abandoned wells

A “Lassie” second got here to life in Southern Minnesota lately, as rescuers saved an excellent canine from an deserted effectively.

What occurred: Redwood County resident Heather Neid found her springer spaniel Gannicus barking on the backside of a gap that was practically 20 inches broad and 30 ft deep.

Particulars: At first, the sheriff wasn’t positive they’d be capable of get the pup out. However a rescue staff dropped a rope into the opening and, positive sufficient, Gannicus was within the temper for a high-stakes recreation of tug-of-war.

• They have been capable of pull him 30 ft to security.

Why it issues: Unsealed, unused wells can pose an enormous danger to animals and other people, per the Minnesota Division of Well being, which shared Gannicus’ story in a information launch Tuesday.

• On this case, Neid was grateful it was the canine, not one in every of her two babies, who tumbled into the opening.

The underside line: State legislation requires that unused wells are sealed by a licensed effectively contractor, MDH says. Sellers should additionally disclose the situation and standing of all wells on a property.

• The Neid household mentioned they did not know concerning the effectively earlier than the incident. They’ve since lined it and are trying right into a everlasting repair.