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Horses rescued from icy slough – others succumb to cold

Horses rescued from icy slough by Prince Albert Fire Department and volunteers on Wednesday. Prince Albert Fire Department / Supplied

At least three horses are dead after breaking through the ice of a slough in Saskatchewan on Wednesday afternoon, fortunately three others were saved.

According to Corey Rodgers, Prince Albert Fire Department’s deputy chief, members were called out at 1:15 p.m. CT. On arrival, a mare and colt had already perished.

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With the help of the fire department, police, neighbours and the owners of the horses, the remaining four horses were removed from the freezing water and quickly covered with blankets. Three of those horses survived and were taken to a barn to warm up.

Horse rescued from icy slough. Prince Albert Fire Department / Supplied

Chief Rodgers said the fire department has rescued cattle in the past but never a herd of animals.

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A chainsaw was used to cut a path through the ice toward the edge of the slough, giving crews better accessibility to the horses. A number of ropes, along with a tow truck and a winch proved invaluable.

“People are much easier to rescue!” said Rodgers.

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