Dog fell down hole left by metal thieves
A German Shepherd dog missing for a week had plunged through an open manhole after the cover was swiped for its value by metal thieves - one of several similar thefts across the region to happen as the price of metal continues to rise.
A German Shepherd dog missing for a week had plunged through an open manhole after the cover was swiped for its value by metal thieves - one of several similar thefts across the region to happen as the price of metal continues to rise.
Electricians from e.on discovered Molly lying motionless 3ft down the shaft when they went to carry out maintenance checks at the site yesterday. The pet had been out walking with her owner Robin Yardley when she was let off the lead to have a run but disappeared.
The manhole, near flats at the corner of Profitt Street and Cannon Street North, had been left gaping open after the cast iron cover was taken.
West Midlands Fire Service was drafted in to help rescue Molly at 12.45pm, with teams from Bloxwich and Wednesbury using specialist slings to lift her to the surface.
The RSPCA was called to take the dog away for tests and reunite her with her owners, who had been desperately searching for her since last Monday, putting up posters in shops.
Animal collection officer Sarah Brown said: "She wasn't barking or making any noise. No one would have known she was down there if the electricians hadn't looked down the hole.
"She rode with me for the rest of the afternoon in my van until I could make contact with her owners. We found them through appeal posters in the shops to try and find her."
Molly was reunited with the Cox family of nearby Bloxwich Road, Leamore at about 5pm yesterday.
Jason Cox, aged 31, an electrician, said she belongs to his mother Janet, 57, and her partner Robin.
"We have been hoping and praying somebody had seen her," he said. "Then, lo and behold, I got a phone call this afternoon to say she'd been found safe and well.
"She's tired, but apart from a little cut on the nose and a bit of street dirt she's fine."
Wednesbury watch commander Sean Carey said: "Our concern is the manhole cover had been removed and although it was only a 3ft drop, if it was a toddler, they would have been seriously hurt."
Walsall has been plagued by manhole cover thefts and in recent months 30 were taken from streets in Willenhall, Darlaston and Moxley.
