This is the image that greeted animal welfare experts who hacked their way through a snake infested Brazilian jungle as they followed the howling of a little dog that had fallen in a hole and been almost buried when soil fell on top of it.

Animal welfare activists from an NGO called ‘Protetores de Bombinhas’ rescued the dog after hearing reports that it had been crying for help from the thicket for five days in the municipality of Bombinhas located in the state of Santa Catarina in the South region of Brazil.

But locals had been unable to get through the jungle undergrowth which is reportedly also infested by snakes when the rescue was finally carried out on 9th July.

Afterwards, the dog was immediately transferred to a vet clinic called ‘Petfarma clinic’ where it received necessary treatment and is currently in a stable condition.

NGO President Wilson Roberto Zambardino reported that he called the rescue organisation immediately after he heard Terrinha’s loud cries for help, but due to the inaccessibility of her location the crews could not find her the same day.

The spokesperson explained that the activists got hurt during the rescue operation due to the cruel conditions of the forest where the dog was located and also added: “We believe that she fell alone, as it is an inaccessible place. There are many poisonous snakes there too.”

The NGO spokesperson told Newsflash: “[The dog] was named Terrinha by those who are taking care of her at the Petfarma clinic. She’s already fine, just having trouble walking. She has normal vital functions”.

Due to ticks bites, Terrinha who the NGO found out was a registered community dog, will have to remain in the clinic for approximately 15 days.

Vet Janaina Diz added: “She is recovering very well. She was struggling in the hole, she could not walk. But after some treatments and use of anti-inflammatory drugs, she was able to walk again.”

The NGO activists, who emphasised that Terrinha is up for adoption, said: “Our town is small and we don’t have a shelter house. The animals we rescue stay in our homes until they find a home. We are full already.”

People interested in adopting Terrinha, can call the vets where she is currently hospitalized.