'Dehydrated' calf rescued after getting stuck in 30 metres of mud

Firefighters and animal rescue officers saved a stranded calf which had managed to get itself stuck in 30 metres of muddy ground in Nottinghamshire.

The RSPCA said a member of the public had spotted the calf struggling to escape from a muddy bog in the Chatterley Parkway area on October 9 before calling for help.

See also: Cow rescued after getting stuck in muddy Cheshire waters

RSPCA inspector Annette Della-Porta said the animal was ‘lucky' to have survived after being rescued by firefighters from Nottinghamshire and crews from Derbyshire using specialist equipment.

"I could see she was dehydrated by her sunken eyes and prominent hips and spine bones," Insp Della-Porta added.

"Her head was covered in flies and the rest of the herd were far away at the other end of the large field, all leading me to believe she had been there at least overnight and possibly longer.

See also: Cow in calf rescued from River Ouse after suspected dog attack

"Thankfully, the large animal rescue unit arrived from the fire service, and we agreed the best way to remove her was to try and get a couple of large straps down into the mud and around her middle to gently haul her to safety.

"She took a few minutes to stagger to her feet and was very wobbly, collapsing a couple of times before I gave her a quick check over and removed the head collar.

See also: 'Lucky' sheep rescued from Lake District drain after getting 'hopelessly' trapped

"The calf was so thirsty - I fetched a bucket of water from my van and she drank all of it.

"She then thankfully started eating - which was a great sign.

"She had been completely stuck and I genuinely do not think she would have survived another day given how unseasonably warm it was for October.

"It is another reminder what we can achieve together for animal welfare."

If you see an animal in distress and in need of rescue, please contact the RSPCA's helpline on 0300 1234 999.

See also: Cows rescued from muck heap with help of JCB in Somerset