TAMPA, Fla. -- Several people, including two Tampa Police officers, rescued three dogs stuck in a stormwater drain pipe on Tuesday afternoon.
The Marine Unit with the Tampa Police Department responded to the call. Corporal Aaron Campbell and Marine Patrol Officer Ray Cotis located the pups inside the drain at the river's edge.
Beau Williams was working across the river and saw the officers trying to rescue the dogs.
"They were hanging over the edge trying to pull the dogs out," said Williams.
Employees with Tampa Parks and Recreation brought over a ladder so the officers could enter the water.
Williams rushed home to get his boat and his 10-year-old daughter who helped with the rescue.
"As you tried to reach in further, they would just retreat, retreat back into the hole so we needed something to get them to come out to the front," said Williams.
Williams brought ice cream, dog treats and croutons to give to the dogs.
Tampa Police rescued all three dogs. The Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center is caring for the animals.
"None of them were microchipped. The male dog is wearing a collar, but there is no type of identification on it," said Lauryn Postiglione, a program coordinator with Pet Resource Center.
The Pet Resource Center hopes the owner comes forward or a new family brings them home.
"They were definitely a pack. They definitely looked like they were going to be together forever," said Williams.
It is unclear how the dogs got stuck in the stormwater pipe.
"You can't tell what happened or how it happened," added Williams.
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA...PUPPIES? Our Marine Unit responded to dogs stuck in a drain pipe that empties into the Hillsborough River. Officers found the 3 dogs in the drain at the river’s edge & brought them safely to land. They are now in the care of @HillsboroughFL Animal Services. pic.twitter.com/3rXviwSUNb
— TampaPD (@TampaPD) July 9, 2019
