WHEN Comet, a 22-year-old Arabian horse, became trapped in an old well, bogged down in mud, water, brick and reinforced mesh, trying to get him out was going to be a huge task.
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Enter Riverina-based NSW Fire and Rescue senior instructor Anthony Hatch - a large animal rescue expert.
Despite being 1650km away from Childers, Queensland where Comet was trapped, Mr Hatch - located at Hay - led the successful two-and-a-half hour rescue operation using an iPad, iPhone and a laptop.
Childers firefighters and heavy rescue team were on scene with the RSPCA talking through the rescue plan and execution with Mr Hatch while he was parked on the side of the road.
"I can just use things like (video chat) to see exactly what is happening," Mr Hatch said.
"It allows me to give them instructions on moving a sling this way or that and watch them to ensure it is done right."
The safe rescue was another one to add to his long list, a list which began years ago while in the city.
After being assigned to a fire brigade in Sydney, Mr Hatch found himself being asked how to rescue animals, including horses, being the only country boy in his team.
After being asked time and time again but having little in the way of answers, he decided to Google and contact animal rescue experts around the world.
Mr Hatch developed his skills in rescue while studying and training in procedures in the United States and the United Kingdom through the Churchill Fellowship.
"I decided to study it because a lot of the time we were doing it by guess work," Mr Hatch said.
"We were trying to carry out this well-meaning work with little or no equipment or training."
As a result he has become Australia's go-to-guy for large animal rescues and the developer of courses in training veterinarians and rescue teams how to ensure large animals live to see another day.
Over the last few years he has helped save and lift numerous large animals including an elephant and giraffe, with a memorable rescue being a a horse which fell 100 feet over a cliff.
What to do if a large animal needs to be rescued
- Contact emergency services and request a Fire and Rescue NSW rescue team
- Contact a vet and arrange for them to get on site
- If anyone is to be near the animal, ensure they wear safety equipment including a helmet
- Do not rush a rescue
- Never use a tractor
- If you need some expertise contact Anthony Hatch on 0419 406 220
