FALLBROOK, Calif. (KGTV) - The cries heard from two dogs trapped in an underground pipe in Fallbrook led to their rescue Saturday.
The two Labrador retrievers, a five-year-old and two-year-old, are now recovering at a Carlsbad County Animal Services facility. They had been trapped in the pipe for days before being heard by a man tending to an orange and avocado grove, according to County News Center.
"We estimate the dogs were in the drain for at least three days," County Animal Services Director Laurie Joniaux said. "It’s amazing they’re actually doing so well."
The man said he had heard the whimpering last week but didn't think much of it, until it continued into the weekend when he investigated. When he searched the surrounding area, he was led to a pipe that ran underground. He started digging until he had to cut part of the pipe away.
County Animal Services was called in and an animal control officer continued to process of digging the two dogs out of the pipe.
The dogs were not injured, but both appeared very thin and dehydrated. One of the dogs was so weak he was unable to stand.
Officials said they believe the dogs fell into the pipe from an opening at the top of a hill that leads to a large storm drain.
Neither dog had identification on them and will be held at the animal services facility through Wednesday. If an owner does not come forward, they will be put up for adoption on Thursday.
For more information about the dogs, call County Animal Services at 619-767-2675 or visit them online.
