Horse rescued from water filled ditch
Firefighters from Bridport were joined by colleagues from Devon and Somerset for a major animal rescue operation
A major rescue operation was launched yesterday to help a horse that had become stuck in a ditch full of water in North Chideock.
Firefighters from Bridport were joined by colleagues from Devon and Somerset.
The owner held the horse's head above water while firefighters came up with a rescue plan.
A spokesperson for Bridport Fire Station said:
"On arrival crews found the horse wedged on its side in a deep sided gully, nearly fully submerged under water and with the owners keeping its head above water.
"Once on scene a vet sedated the horse to keep it calm and prevent any further injuries to itself or the rescuers.
Crews removed a fence and some vegetation. Then using shovels, spades and a local farmer with their machinery, part of the bank was dug away to allow easier extrication of the horse.
"A leg strop was then attached to the horses back legs and using a line, crews pulled the horse out of the ditch.
"Once out the horse was able to stand on its own and was checked over by the vet."