A bull who fell into a drain ditch and couldn't get out had a lucky escape after being rescued by firefighters.
Not living up to his name 'Lucky Lad', the bull fell into a drain in a field in Crook, County Durham on Tuesday, and when the owner realised they couldn't rescue him, animal charity the RSPCA was called.
Inspectors arrived on the scene but realised they'd need the help of the fire service to move the 15-year-old Dexter bull.
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Inspector Rachel Hurst, who was joined by colleague Terri Ann Fannon during the rescue attempt, said: “Lucky Lad had managed to fall into a drainage ditch and was unable to get up. His owner was quite worried as he started frothing at the mouth and his eyes were rolling back into his head. He was also exhausted and weak after trying to free himself.
“Sometimes with rescues like this, we work together with the fire service as they have equipment which we don’t carry. Luckily the fantastic fire and rescue crew had animal straps which they used to barrel roll Lucky Lad out of the ditch.
“A vet from Dunelm Vets, in Durham, also attended and checked him over. He was a bit shaken after his ordeal but thankfully unharmed - so this was another great example of what we can all achieve together for animal welfare.”
A spokesman for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said they were able to roll the bull out.
He said: “We were called to assist in the rescue of the bull who unfortunately had become stuck in a drainage ditch.
"Our crew used their specialist knowledge and equipment to roll the bull and move him to safety. We’d like to thank all agencies in attendance who worked together to deliver the best possible outcome for the bull and the bull’s owner. We wish Lucky Lad a speedy recovery.”
The RSPCA urges anyone who sees an animal which needs rescuing to consult the charity’s website for advice on what to do, and who can help.
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