A buff cocker spaniel named Mocha who fell over steep cliff was rescued by Los Angeles based Small Animal Rescue Team (SmART). It happened Wednesday, when Mocha and his owner were walking along steep terrain in Porter Ranch, California. The rescue took place late at night in heavy winds with rescuers repelling on the steep cliff with safety harnesses. Rescuers brought Mocha to safety using a small stretcher. Mocha appeared well but was taken to a vet for examination. Then anxious owner was grateful to have him returned.
SmART is a group of trained rescuers certified in Swiftwater Rescue and rope rescue. SmART is the first animal rescue team in the country. Six members are animal control officers and one Registered Veterinary Technician. SmART performs urban search and rescue for small animals in the Los Angeles area.