Rescuers Free Koopa From Tire in Bladen County, NC

On the evening of June 17, 2025, in Bladen County, North Carolina, a curious dog named Koopa got his head stuck in a tire, prompting a coordinated rescue involving local firefighters, EMS personnel, and veterinary staff.

According to Lumberton Rescue and EMS, Koopa managed to wedge his head through the center of a tire and became trapped. Emergency crews first brought him to the Bladenboro Fire Department, where responders were able to remove most of the tire. A stubborn metal lug ring, however, remained fastened tightly around his neck.

Koopa waits calmly as rescuers work to free him from a tire rim in Bladen County, North Carolina. Photo: Lumberton Rescue and EMS’ Facebook page.

With no safe way to remove the remaining piece at the station, Koopa was taken to Southeastern Veterinary Clinic in Lumberton. There, he was sedated so the team could complete the rescue. Working alongside EMS personnel, veterinary staff carefully removed the lug ring.

Koopa rests on the tailgate of a rescue vehicle after being sedated so crews could remove the remaining piece of the tire rim. Photo: Lumberton Rescue and EMS’ Facebook page.

Koopa did not suffer any injuries. He was alert and in good spirits once the tire was removed. He may not have known what all the fuss was about, but he sure felt the love.