Dog and Owner Rescued

Dog and Owner Rescued After Dramatic Fall Into 20ft Village Well

A dog and its owner were rescued after becoming trapped in a 20-foot (6m) well in the North Yorkshire village of Kirkby Malzeard near Ripon.

Emergency services were called at around 6:47pm on Friday, 6 March 2026, after the dog accidentally fell down the deep shaft. In an attempt to save the animal, the owner was lowered into the well but was then unable to climb back out.

Fire crews from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service stations in Ripon and Masham quickly attended the scene and carried out a careful rescue operation.

Using specialist working-at-height equipment, firefighters lowered a safety harness into the well before pulling the owner safely back to the surface. The dog was then also recovered from the shaft.

A spokesperson for the fire service said crews used specialist equipment to lower a harness to the person, allowing firefighters to pull them out safely.

Both the owner and the dog were successfully rescued and are not believed to have suffered any serious injuries.

The incident highlights the risks of attempting rescues in confined spaces, with emergency services urging people to call for professional help if similar situations occur.