Building contractor helps in horse rescue (From News Shopper)

Building contractor helps in Slade Green horse rescue

12:08pm Wednesday 15th February 2012 in News By Jim Palmer

A BUILDING contractor put his horsepower to good use to rescue a distressed animal trapped in a drainage ditch.

A dozen firefighters were helped out by a good Samaritan with a crane on his truck in a two-hour rescue of horse in Ray Lamb Way, Slade Green.

The fire brigade was called at 4.50pm yesterday after a 14-hand black and white cob was spotted trapped up to its neck in mud having escaping a nearby field.

Firefighters from Erith station attached straps to the animal but could not lift it.

A spokesman said: "We have got the straps but nothing to lift it out. A contractor who was driving past in a big hiab crane lorry helped to lift the horse out. He did it all off his own back."

With no sign of its owners, the horse was cleaned down and returned to its field. It was later checked out by the RSPCA, which gave it the all-clear.

The fire service spokesman added: "The horse was all tickety-boo apart from being a bit dirty.

“It was quite a difficult rescue because of where it was – the ditches are not clean running water, they are full of sump oil, shopping trolleys and all sorts.

“We have got dry suits but you just have to get in there and get dirty.”