27th June 2026
Yesterday evening we received a call from Offaly dog warden regarding a pony that had become trapped in a bog hole and was sinking.
NSPCA inspector McCormack arrived at the scene and located the struggling pony. He immediately reached out to local people for assistance and along with the local Gardaí, every effort was made to free her, but the conditions were extremely difficult and there was no access for machinery of any kind.
She was a healthy pony but despite her strength and determination, she was already well down in the bog and she was gradually losing the fight.
Over the hours that followed, more people arrived to help including the pony’s owner, a Department of Agriculture Food & Marine veterinary inspector, Leinster Horse & Pony Rescue and MLHR all working together in a determined effort to save her.
Eventually, they managed to pull her from the bog hole, but she continued to sink and had to be dragged a considerable distance to safer ground.
A local vet also attended the scene and administered the necessary fluids to help sustain her. After five long and exhausting hours, the pony finally stood up. To the immense relief of everyone involved, she was then led to safety by her owner.
This morning we received an update that she is safely back in her stable and recovering well. It is believed that the pony may have accessed the bog after a gate was opened, as she had been kept securely in a paddock.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended, including the Department vet, the local Gardaí, other horse rescues the attending vet, and the many local people whose efforts undoubtedly saved this pony’s life.
Finally, thanks to the member of the public who raised the alarm. Their quick action ensured that this story had a happy ending.
