Horse spent six hours in ditch

By Keynsham-People | Tuesday, March 09, 2010, 07:00

A horse is believed to have been trapped in a muddy ditch in Emersons Green for six hours before rescue teams hauled her out.

A member of the public saw the distressed animal in the ditch near the ring road and called the police.

A new Safer Horse Rescues system swung into action, with the police, Avon Fire and Rescue Service, a vet and staff from HorseWorld's equine welfare team called to the scene.

They found the mare lying on her side and unable to stand up. A harness was put around her and she was lifted out using the arm of a rescue tender. She was then supported in the sling until she was able to stand by herself. Her owner was traced and he took her away.

Jerry Watkins, of HorseWorld, said: "The horse was trapped and in a serious condition when we arrived.

"Had it not been for the speed in which the police and fire service responded, bringing in heavy lifting equipment and their expertise in using this, then I believe she would have died."

He said it was believed the mare had been in the ditch for a long time, possibly up to six hours, but initial thoughts that she was carrying a foal were ruled out after she was checked by a vet.

It was only recently that Avon and Somerset police signed up to Safer Horse Rescues, after an incident in Bitton last year when a severely injured horse bled to death because no one was found to put it out of its misery.