15 firefighters rescue bull stranded in ditch in Isle of Skye

A 15-strong firefighter crew battled to rescue a bull which had been trapped in a ditch for two days.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Jul 2016, 15:11 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 20:50 BST

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Some of the 15-strong firefighter crew after battling to rescue a bull which had been trapped in a ditch for two days on peatland on the Isle of Skye. Picture: PASome of the 15-strong firefighter crew after battling to rescue a bull which had been trapped in a ditch for two days on peatland on the Isle of Skye. Picture: PA
Some of the 15-strong firefighter crew after battling to rescue a bull which had been trapped in a ditch for two days on peatland on the Isle of Skye. Picture: PA

The stricken animal fell 3ft into a muddy storm drain while roaming on peatland on the Isle of Skye.

The one-tonne bull was eventually spotted earlier this week by crofter Ian Duncan, who called on the fire service for help.

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Firefighters from Portree, Broadford and Dunvegan weighed in with pitchforks and spades, freeing the hungry animal after 20 minutes.

The scene of the rescue on Skye. Picture: PAThe scene of the rescue on Skye. Picture: PA
The scene of the rescue on Skye. Picture: PA

Martin Benson, a crew member from Broadford, said: “The bull had been stuck for a considerable amount of time and had lost a lot of weight.

“We cut the peat bank as best we could around the bull, which was about 3ft below ground level and stuck at either side when we arrived.

“Eventually we managed to carve out some room for the bull to wriggle itself free.

“The first thing the animal did was shake itself down and go for something to eat.”

The scene of the rescue on Skye. Picture: PAThe scene of the rescue on Skye. Picture: PA
The scene of the rescue on Skye. Picture: PA

He added: “In such a remote, agricultural area these rescues are sometimes necessary. It’s nice to have a happy outcome.”

Crofter Mr Duncan said: “It’s not uncommon for a bull to go missing in such a large area but this bull had never gone missing for such a time before.

“When we found the animal I was surprised at how far he’d travelled.

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“I called the fire service right away and they did a magnificent job of digging him out.

“He’s been eating a lot more - but apart from that he’s looking okay.”

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