Every country has its own rules, and sometimes it happens that in an emergency situation there is no way to act quickly without breaking the law. This is exactly what happened in the story of a dog named Winster, who lives with an English family – circumstances were such that help was rather late precisely because of the inconsistencies in the English law.
The owners were out walking the dog as usual that day in Diamond Jubilee Wood, Leicestershire, when misfortune struck – Winster had fallen down a badger hole, the entrance to which was blocked by leaves.
Badgers dig long tunnels under the ground, building a veritable underground maze, and it is difficult, if not impossible, for uninvited guests to get out of it.
So Heather, the dog’s owner, immediately appealed to the rescue services, but got no help. It was explained to her that because of the law on the protection of badgers, the search for her pet could not begin until two days later, and it would require a special permit from the authorities.Heather, of course, immediately filed a request for such a permit, but it was Friday, and the solution to her problem was delayed.
She received the necessary document on Tuesday, and only then did the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service go to the site of Winster’s disappearance to organize a search for him. Heather was worried because three days underground might have cost her pet dearly, if he survived the ordeal at all. But her fears were unfounded, the dog was alive, and, sensing her owner, began to call her for help with loud barking. Moreover, the dog had a gps-navigator on his collar, which also made the rescue team’s work easier.
Nevertheless, it took about six hours to excavate the badger tunnels before Winster’s muzzle showed up from under the ground. The rescued dog was happy to see his owners again. After the joyful meeting, he rolled over on his back, asking Heather to scratch his belly – he was very bored alone.Despite his long confinement in the badger hole, the dog was completely unharmed and did not lose his cheerful nature.