Stuck Kitten Vacuumed From Small Pipe (Video)

PINOLE, CA — With all of the high-tech rescue equipment on a Pinole, California, fire truck, it was a Shop-Vac that finally did the trick for a tiny kitten stuck in an underground pipe.

People passing by heard two kittens crying from the pipe on Tuesday. Contra Costa Animal Services was called out. A rescuer from that agency quickly realized that extra help would be needed. That's when the fire department arrived on the scene.

Working together, Animal Services Officer Manny Morales was able to rescue one of the kittens with a snare pole to which he had affixed a flashlight. However, the second kitten was beyond the reach of the pole.

At that point, the vacuum was deployed. The operation was successful.

Initially on the brink of death, both of the kittens are now doing well. They will continue receiving care at the Martinez shelter.

If you would like to adopt or foster kittens, contact rescue coordinator Sue at (925) 335-8325.

--All photos and video courtesy Contra Costa Animal Services