The RSPCA and firefighters swiftly responded to aid a distressed horse that had become ensnared in a barbed wire within a muddy field located in Durham.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service rescued the horse on Monday 25 September after the equine had become tangled in barbed wire and stuck in the mud in a field at Peggy’s Wicket, Beamish in Stanley.
It took around 30 minutes to untangle the barbed wire from around the horse’s leg and then hoist her to safety.
RSPCA inspector Suzanne Edgar attended to check on the welfare of the horse – and said the rescue was a great example of partnership working.
“This poor mare had got herself well and truly stuck. She had a wound on one of her back legs just above the hoof caused by the barbed wire and then unfortunately slipped onto her side in the mud. Thankfully, she was on her feet when I arrived so I could check her over. The wound didn’t look too deep and she could put her weight on it – but we contacted a vet as well to be sure she was okay.
“Once the mud was washed off her, she looked like an entirely different horse. Her owner arrived shortly afterwards so I was able to reunite her with her owner and her horse friends in the field. I also gave the owner some advice about ensuring the fences in the area are maintained to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the help of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service who were able to help rescue this horse and bring her to safety. This was a great reminder of what we can achieve together for animal welfare.”
To donate to the RSPCA and support the vital animal rescue and care work, please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give
This month is Adoptober, when the charity shines a light on all the rescue animals available for adoption, for more information on rehoming from the RSPCA, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/findapet
