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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, A pr il 12 ,2 01 8 | 4 A horse breaks through a fence and gets stuck in waste-deep mud, or a tractor trailer load of pigs tip over in a highway accident. In situations like these, the Halton Hills fire department is now prepared to respond, thanks to a training program they attended in Dufferin County. "There hasn't been a lot this year," said Hugh Hennessey, a firefighter with the de- partment who gave an update to the commu- nity and corporate affairs committee on the program. "We have had a few in the past," he said, noting that two years ago, firefighters were called to assist two cows that had fallen through ice and were trapped. "They're considered family members to some people," Hennessey said, explaining that the cows that had broken through ice were specialty show cattle. zThe Halton Hills fire department now has a large animal res- cue program, one of the few departments in the GTA with specialized training in large animal rescue. "It's one of the newest disciplines," he said, talking about all the different forms of tech- nical rescue that firefighters do. Hennessey went over the different tools that his staff can use to free a horse or cow from heavy mud. They have tools that can blow air and sep- arate the mud away from the animal, they can also use hoses to wash away the debris. "We have to break that vacuum, or we'll never get it out," he said, explaining that the suction action in mud can have a devastating effect on a large animal trying to get out. Staff are now trained and equipped with specialized hooks and pulleys to help an ani- mal without further injuring them. The de- partment now has a veterinarian on call, in the event the animal needs to be sedated or treated during the rescue. "We anticipate more calls," he said, noting that increased traffic on the roads of Halton Hills play a role. NEWS Fire department gets training on heavy animal rescue ALEXANDRA HECK aheck@metroland.com Halton Hills Fire Department is now equipped with tools and knowledge to deal with heavy animal rescues, including situations where livestock are involved in highway accidents. Dylan DaCosta Creating great smiles New Patients Welcome Family and Cosmetic Dentistry marketplace Dental Centre Georgetown Marketplace Mall 905-877-CARE (2273) • www.georgetowndental.com HOURS: Monday & Wednesday 8:00am - 8:00pm • Tuesday & Thursday 8:00am - 6:00pm • Saturday 8:00am - 3:00pm Proudly Serving Georgetown Since 1994. Now in-stock : The Falcon Line by Travel Lite RV Modern Ultra lites ®™ Trademarks of AM Royalties Limited Partnership used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Under the Stars RV. Your next adventure is out there! 9577 Sideroad 17, Erin, ON, N0B 1T0 905-877-4266 www.underthestarsrv.ca Get Ready foR With a neW RV Trailer Sales--Parts Super Store--Service--Rentals Warranty--Insurance--Secured Storage Starting as low as 2100bs Dry Weight! GEORGETOWN LOCATION 185 Guelph Street ACTON LOCATION 374 Queen St. E. BRAMPTON LOCATIONS 9485 & 9521 Mississauga Rd. NEW SOUTHERN BBQ* CHICKEN NEW BLT CHICKEN *For a limited time only. At participating McDonald's® restaurants in Canada. Product availability varies by restaurant. ©2018 McDonald's 330 GUELPH ST.,GEORGETOWN (opposite Canadian Tire) 905-877-0596 • www.millersscottishbakery.com WARM & HEARTY MEALS ~ Made Easy! Freshly Made & Baked On Premises Breads, Buns, Pastries,Meat Pies & More! IMPORTED BRITISH CHEESES MILLER'S ScottISh BakERy MILLER'S ScottISh BakERy