Trapped horse? Neigh problem for firefighters
A horse weighing more than a ton was at the centre of a dramatic rescue after it became stuck in a muddy ditch.
An animal specialist unit from Wellington fire station assisted Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service in rescuing the shire horse from the ditch in Pool Quay, Welshpool.
Firefighters described the animal as "close to the tallest a horse can be" at 22 hands and weighing more than a ton. It was stuck in the ditch, which was at least one metre deep, for several hours before being rescued and is not believed to have suffered any injuries.
Craig Jackson, watch manager at Wellington fire station, said: "Our specialist large animal rescue team went to assist Mid and West Wales who made the scene safe for everyone, stopping anyone entering the water or ditch.
"They had supported the head of the horse to keep it above water and then our teams, including two animal rescue specialists in dry suits, went in and used a large inflatable rescue path at the rear of the horse. They used special straps to put around the animal and we had to use the hi-ab rescue crane on the rear of the Wellington rescue tender and we have a quick release harness for the safety of the animal and those around it if it started kicking."
