Firefighters rescue distressed horse from bog

Firefighters struggled for more than an hour to free a horse trapped in a bog at a farm in Urmston, Greater Manchester yesterday (19 October).

The cob had slipped down a muddy bank, which had become churned up after hours of continuous heavy rain.

Fire crews were called at 5.15pm and arrived to find the horse stuck firmly in the bog.

Paul Smitham, station manager of Eccles Fire Station, said the horse was in a “very distressed state”.

Dramatic pictures taken by Greater Manchester Fire Service show how the rescue unfolded.

Mr Smitham said: “Working together, we used special animal rescue gear – including boards and ropes – and sheer muscle power to remove the horse from the bog, lifting it over steep banking onto firmer ground.

“Having done this, the horse righted itself and trotted off which was quite gratifying for the crews to see.”

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