ROI ET, THAILAND – Emergency officers in Roi Et spent part of Saturday morning rescuing a black‑and‑white cat whose head became stuck in a street drain grate outside a local pawnshop.
The incident, reported at around 7:30 a.m. on 25 October 2025, prompted the Roi Et Municipal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre to dispatch a response team to the scene.
Early‑morning response
When officers arrived, they found the animal crying continuously and unable to move. The cat’s head was wedged tightly in the narrow opening of the heavy metal grate, leaving little room for manoeuvre. Despite several cautious attempts, rescuers could not free it safely on the roadside without risking injury to the animal.
Transporting the grate and cat
Under the direction of Veerachai Phadungkij and Phumin Thipyaboon, the municipal team decided to lift the entire grate — with the cat still trapped — and take it back to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre on Tesaphiban Road. The facility is equipped with hydraulic tools more suitable for delicate extractions than the equipment available on site.
Careful operation at the centre
Once at the centre, technicians examined the situation and used hydraulic cutting and spreading tools to widen the gap around the cat’s neck. After about 30 minutes of careful work, the animal was released unharmed. Officials later returned it safely to its familiar surroundings.
Commitment to community welfare
City officials said the incident demonstrated Roi Et’s practical readiness to handle both human and animal emergencies. The municipal administration, led by Mayor Banchong Khositchiranan, continues to emphasise rapid emergency response as part of its wider commitment to public safety and welfare across the northeastern Thai province.