Shocked calf rescued from muddy bog in Nottingham

Two rescue teams joined forces to rescue the stricken animal

A calf had to be rescued by firefighters after becoming stuck up to her chin in a muddy bog.

The RSPCA said it was alerted to the young creature struggling in a field in Chatterley Parkway, Nottingham, on 9 October.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and a large animal rescue crew from Derbyshire joined forces to pull the dehydrated calf to safety.

The shocked creature is now recovering from her ordeal.

RSPCA inspector Annette Della-Porta said: "The calf was horribly stuck up to her chin in the middle of a deep bog.

"I could see she was dehydrated by her sunken eyes and prominent hips and spine bones.

"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."

Rescuers devised a plan before embarking on the rescue operation

The rescue teams agreed to put a couple of large straps down into the muddy bog and secure them around the middle of the calf to help lift her safely.

Two large inflatable mats were put down either side of the calf for the fire crew to gain access.

After half an hour of digging the mud they were able to put the straps around the calf.

Ms Della-Porta said: "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.

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

Once removed from the muddy bog the calf was very thirsty but once she had some water she started eating which Ms Della-Porta said was a good sign.

The farmer has been advised to fence off the area as a precaution against further incidents.