Puppy Saved from ‘Certain Death’ After Falling into the Tiniest Drain Hole

Photo Credit: Boksburg SPCA Charity Shop via Facebook

A lucky pup is back in its owner’s arms after being extracted from a drain hole barely wide enough for a tennis ball.

Dawn Park, South Africa (18 December 2025) – Dogs have a way of digging their paws into things they shouldn’t, and when the adult dogs of a family in Dawn Park managed to remove the plastic grating over a drain, their puppy’s life hung in the balance.

Yesterday morning, the Boksburg SPCA received an emergency call from the panicked family whose puppy had fallen into the tiniest drain opening!

Field Officers Tshepo and Jabu grabbed some tools and raced to the family home. Shocked at the small size of the hole, with the pleading puppy’s squeals coming from below, they decided that the best solution was to remove the entire top of the concrete drain.

A video shared by the SPCA showed them working together to determine the best way to get to the distressed dog.

“The owner was able to reach down the narrow pipe and get hold of the tiny pup, who was thankfully brought to the surface, much to his and our team’s delight! TINY it was,” Boksburg SPCA said.

Following a rescue from what the Boksburg SPCA called ‘certain death,’ Field Officer Tshepo checked the pup for injuries. Miraculously, the dog was unharmed and needed nothing more than a good bath.

“Education was given [to the family] regarding the benefits of sterilisation. Mommy and Daddy dogs will be booked in for sterilisation on 26 Jan 26 and the puppy at five months of age!”

Thanks to this team’s swift response and delicate care, this little pup is back on level ground.

“If it has a heartbeat, we care!”

The community’s support helps make these rescues possible. Donations can be made via the payment details below, and email your proof of payment to: secretary@boksburgspca.co.za (S18A Tax Certificates are available upon request).

EFT