Local Agenices Team up to Save Pet Cow (T-Bone) from Ice

Fort Collins, CO-Poudre Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call this afternoon for what was report of a cow stuck in a lake. When the first crews arrived they found a large Hereford cow stuck in a partially frozen pond at the bottom of a 25’ embankment.

The owner informed crews the cow, named T-bone, had been there for more than five hours. T-bone, a fourteen year old family pet was suffering from hypothermia and shock.

Crews immediately went to work devising a rescue plan to safely remove the animal. Firefighters had to set up a ‘low-angle’ mechanical advantage rope rescue system in order get the cow out of the water
and up the bank. The system was anchored to a fire engine and when it was time pull it took more than a dozen firefighters, some in cold-water rescue suits to free the animal and get her to the top.

Once the cow was on level ground she was evaluated by CSU Veterinarians and covered with a tarp in an effort to warm her. At one point the cow’s heart rate was down to about 30 beats per minute, but after successful attempts at rewarming, administering IV fluids and
feeding, her heartbeat increased to 80 per minute. Last report from a CSU Veterinarian was that the cow had a good prognosis.

It is unknown at this point whether the cow was returned to her owner or taken for further treatment.

Assisting agencies: Colorado State University Veterinary Hospital, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, Poudre Valley
Hospital Emergency Services and Windsor Severance Fire Rescue.