http://rotter.net/User_files/forum/454b553c055eb43f.jpg

Flooding traps herd of Dutch horses

Rescuers worked Thursday to save a herd of about 100 horses stranded two days ago on a tiny knoll when a fierce storm flooded their wilderness area.

Many of the animals have spent two nights knee-deep in water, and 18 have drowned in the area outside Marrum, 145 kilometres northeast of Amsterdam.

Marrum's fire department floated or ferried some 20 horses to safety with the help of small boats on Wednesday.

Dutch television and newspapers carried dramatic photographs and footage of the horses huddled together on a tiny patch of ground surrounded by rippling water.

The Dutch army tried to rescue the rest of the herd Wednesday night, but called off the operation when water levels receded slightly and pontoon boats were grounded.

Water levels continued to fall Thursday, and the surviving animals were expected to be able to walk or swim to safety, state broadcaster NOS reported.

The Dutch Party for the Animals said it planned to file a complaint against the owner of the horses, or the operator of the wilderness area, since the national weather service had warned of rising flood waters.

One of the owners interviewed by the local media said the animals initially had been brought to higher ground, but panicked Tuesday night when other herders and emergency service workers cast spotlights on them.
(AP)