New Bedford Animal Control Saves 11 Ducklings Trapped in Sewer Grate

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A New Bedford Animal Control Officer is being hailed for his ability not to “quack” under pressure after he rescued a family of ducklings from a sewer on Sunday.

According to a New Bedford Police Facebook post, Animal Control Officer Brandon George responded to a call on the afternoon of May 17 about ducklings that fell into a sewer grate.

You never know "waddle" happen in his job.

A Distressed Mother Duck in the West End

The incident happened on Emerson Street in the city’s West End. A total of 11 ducklings fell through the grate, while their mother “remained above, distressed and calling for her babies,” police said. “Complicating the rescue effort, a vehicle was parked over the grate.”

Clearing the Sewer Grate for the Rescue

ACO George first had to locate the owner of the vehicle so they could move the vehicle off the grate. Once it was cleared, the New Bedford Fire Department then opened the grate to access the ducklings.

George first secured the mother duck and then leaned into the drain with a net, police said, and was able to rescue all 11 ducklings.

Safe and Reunited at Buttonwood Pond

“Once reunited, the duck family was safely transported to Buttonwood Pond,” police said.

No word on if the ducks would be “billed” for the response call.