Labrador rescued from 'deep' and 'narrow' mountain hole in night time operation

The dog was brought to the surface safely and retuned to a relieved owner. Credit: Longtown Mountain Rescue Team

A young Labrador had to be rescued from a "deep" and "very narrow" hole on a mountain near Torfaen, south Wales.

Two mountain rescue teams were called out on Wednesday evening to save the poor pup, named Carla, who had fallen down the narrow slip.

As the sun went down, the mountain rescuers had to set up a rope system and lower down one of their cave specialists in darkness.

They managed to reach Carla and bring her back to the surface where she was reunited with her relieved owner and given some dog treats.

Gwent Police alerted Longtown Mountain Rescue to the trapped dog in the evening on Wednesday 29 July. Credit: Longtown Mountain Rescue Team

Longtown Mountain Rescue Team were alerted to the trapped dog by Gwent Police on Wednesday evening.

They sent out a five-person team and a vehicle to the mountain near Varteg where Carla was stuck.

The rescue team said: "Carla had fallen quite a way down a deep but narrow slip and was resting on a ledge.

"After setting up a rope system and doing an initial look into the hole, we very quickly decided that we needed the assistance of our colleagues in South & Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team to be able to get Carla out safely."

Both teams had to set up a rope system so they could send one of their cave specialists down to retrieve Carla. Credit: Longtown Mountain Rescue Team
The hole Carla had fallen down was deep and "very narrow" at some points. Credit: Longtown Mountain Rescue Team

Back-up, in the form of the South and Mid Wales team arrived and the rescuers worked together to get the rope system in place.

They managed to lower a team member down the hole despite it being "very narrow" at parts. They then secured Carla and were both lifted out to the surface.

One of the team members was lowered down the hole and managed to secure the dog. Credit: Longtown Mountain Rescue Team
Carla was treated to some cold chips when she was back at the surface. Credit: Longtown Mountain Rescue Team

Carla was checked over to make sure she was alright and then given some water, dog treats and even some cold chips before being handed back to a very relieved owner.

Both of the mountain rescue teams involved are voluntary organisations who respond to requests from the police for assistance.

Longtown Mountain Rescue Team carry out operations to help injured and missing people in the Black Mountains of south Wales and into Herefordshire. The team is on-call 24 hours a day all year round and relies on donations from members of the public.