Puppy winched from 12-metre deep mine shaft

A 12-month-old puppy has been plucked from deep inside a mine shaft in regional Victoria.

‘Macey’ was chasing a rabbit near Richards Road, Blampied, when she fell 12 metres into the abandoned shaft about 2pm yesterday.

Her owner, Paul Martin, raised the alarm and the Ballarat Fire and Rescue raced to the scene.

Using ropes, rescuers carefully winched Macey to safety. She avoided any major injuries, sustaining just minor bruising during the six-hour ordeal.

Mr Martin said Macey was an integral member of his family, having “grown up” with them.

“She’s good girl,” he said, giving the pup a well-deserved pat.