Leeds firefighters rescue hedgehog which fell down drain

The hedgehog had fallen about 5ft down the hole on Stanningley Road, the RSPCA said

A hedgehog had to be rescued by firefighters after it fell down a drain in Leeds.

The animal fell about 5ft (1.5m) down the uncovered hole on Stanningley Road on 19 March, the RSPCA said.

Following some rest and recuperation with a hedgehogs charity, the animal was released back into the wild six days later.

An RSPCA spokesperson said the hedgehog had been "aptly nicknamed" Curious George as a result of his exploits.

Firefighters had to dig up the drain to free George after they were called to the scene by the RSPCA, whose officers had been unable to retrieve him.

'Unscathed from ordeal'

Aleesha Haddlesey, animal rescue officer at the RSPCA, said he had "got himself completely wedged in, so the only option was to dig up the drain to get him out".

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "When there is genuine concern for the safety of an animal and the RSPCA are not able to rescue with their capabilities, we will send an officer to assess and, where possible, work with the charity to release the animal safely."

George "had a few days of TLC" with the West Yorkshire-based Shelley Hedgehogs organisation following his recue, Ms Haddlesey said.

"With hedgehog numbers sadly in decline, we were all delighted he was able to return to the wild unscathed from his ordeal," she added.