A stuck cow took five hours to rescue at Dos Pueblos Ranch on Monday.
At 4:20 p.m., Santa Barbara County Firefighters responded to the area after ranchers discovered a “Ronvey” Swiss Alp cow was trapped in mud.
Crews utilized an ATV to navigate back into the canyon, then embarked on a hike down and across to access the site.
Firefighters reported the cow appeared severely exhausted, on the brink of collapse, after potentially being trapped for up to a day due to a minor mudslide.
An extensive rescue effort was initiated by firefighters and County Animal Control as the cow was stuck in mud up to its head.
“The 5-hour rescue in deep mud involved digging, prying, rolling, and using wood planks for leverage,” said Captain Scott Safechuck.
After an exhausting effort by all, the cow was free. It was so exhausted that it laid down near the rescue site.
Crews covered the cow with a blanket to stay warm with ranchers on site to continue with observation.
Below is video of the cow after it was freed:
The moment the cow was freed from the mud. pic.twitter.com/CaybtNvXk7
— Scott Safechuck (@SBCFireInfo) February 14, 2024
Nice work boys – that cow would’ve been a goner, for no fault of its own.
Dok must have evaluated it as at least 3/10 to approve of this rescue.
ANON – Correct. He also clarified that, unlike those lazy “young folks,” this cow’s accident was of “no fault of its own” (because he was at the scene to verify). As if a negligent bovine would not have met with his medical approval for rescue. Lucky cow!
What do you think a “goner” means, 3/10??
?
Shame, shame, writer! The cow LAY down! (he might have laid an egg or laid the foundation for a wall, by which time he would have been tired and lay down to rest!)
Oops, he would have lain down to rest…