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Steer rescued after falling into pool

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Staff photo by Greg Lynch Cora Freson's male cow "Walter" was rescued by the Ross Twp. Fire Dept. after falling in the family's nine foot deep pool, Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010. The cow was lured to the steps and out of the pool in under 15 minutes from the time of it's fall.

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By Michael D. Pitman, Staff Writer Updated 8:20 AM Wednesday, January 6, 2010

ROSS TWP. — An “escape artist” steer known for wandering from his pasture was rescued Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 5, after falling into the deep end of his owners swimming pool.

Walter, a 6-year-old Limousin steer weighing 1,000 pounds owned by Ross High School sophomore Cora Freson, was lured out around 3:30 p.m. from the pool in back of its home along Hamilton-Cleves Road.

Property owner Becky Freson’s 6-year-old granddaughter first spotted Walter’s head sticking out of the pool in the 9-foot deep end of the pool.

“It was panic city when we found out,” said Becky Freson, mother of 15-year-old Cora Freson.

Rescuers had a rope around the steer’s neck to help keep it’s head above water. Within 15 minutes, a Ross Twp. police officer, a township fire crew and neighbors were able to assist the Fresons in getting water out of the pool. They lured the steer to the shallow end and up the pool’s steps.

Walter, known for getting out on occasion and wandering across the street to the Ross High School campus, had wandered out of a pasture before falling into the water.

“He’s kind of an escape artist,” Becky Freson said.

The animal has been with the family since it was 2 weeks old and Cora still in elementary school, she said.

Once Walter was out of frigid water, the Fresons placed some fresh, dry straw in Walter’s barn stall and had wrapped the steer in blankets after he calmed down. The Fresons said they planed to call a veterinarian to check him out, but the steer did not appear to be injured in the incident.

Staff photographer Greg Lynch contributed to this story.

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most farmers have a lot of cows but their cow is a pet and he likes to be around people which is why he gets out. he is not a typical cow, but like RR5 said, more like a dog and we all know that dogs are always finding a way to escape from their backyards so why would this be any different. stop hating and be more compassionate.

flub
9:47 PM, 1/9/2010

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there is a good fence put up but nothing will prevent a 2000lb cow from breaking through a fence if he wants to get out. get over yourselves. these poor people probably had the shock of their lives and they dont want your rude comments making it any worse. i am sure they have fixed the spot he escaped but their cow is very smart and acts more like a dog then a cow. so please people, be a little more understanding.

RR5
9:45 PM, 1/9/2010

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Great feel good story. Thanks Journal News for putting it in the paper. I'm so glad that Walter is ok. And yes Hamiltuckians, all kinds of farm animals get out of "their" fenced homes. They just don't all make the paper. As far as the speed limit on 128 being 55, the limit has always been too fast. And you do have to keep your eyes open while you drive. Geez.......

Sue
9:53 AM, 1/7/2010

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I have lived around cows all my life....thank you Carol.
Having said that, put up a good fence. If your cow gets out you have to find out where your fence failed. DUH
We never have a problem with them breaking loose, that could be tragic combined with traffic.
If you own the cows you are responsible for them and all or any damage they do when they break out.
You do not name something that will end up on the dinner table. Duh
Cows are not made to be the family pet. They are food.

steakum
9:09 PM, 1/6/2010

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Yes! Irresponsible! There are plenty of farmers in their area that have many more "cows" than they do and you don't see them getting out as much as this "cow" does! 128 is a busy highway, hope that their "cow" does not get out at night and takes someone's life. The area they are in is 55 mph, I hit a 200lb deer at 35 and totaled a car what would their cow do at 1000+lbs and 55mph? Since it is known that the cow gets out regularly they are now liable if someone gets hurt. Better fence needed!

APE
6:22 PM, 1/6/2010

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