New Zealand / West Coast

Dog trapped for two days finds his own way out

15:19 pm on 8 April 2017

A dog trapped down a tomo - or sinkhole - on the West Coast for two days has this morning emerged safe and well.

Jacko the dog with his owner Willow Leigh. Photo: Supplied

The six-year-old jack russell, Jacko, was chasing a possum and fell into the 5m hole in the Whitecliffs area near Inangahua on Thursday morning.

His owners had appealed for money to pay for a digger they were using to try to retrieve their pet.

One of them, Willow Leigh, said in the end the terrier managed to climb out by himself this morning.

"He was right outside the hole, with his tail wagging, looking at us, going 'hey'.

"It was really amazing to be able to come this morning to be able to see him, you know, out.

"We gave him a lamb shank and some sausages. [He's] quite happy, he's curled up on the couch - lost his bark though - but yeah, he's at home resting."

Ms Leigh said the $500 donated to the rescue would be given to the SPCA.

Jacko takes a break after escaping the hole. Photo: Supplied

Jacko is securely fastened for his return home. Photo: Supplied