Z
Zhu Rong
Guest
Poor Moo: Cow's Drum Disaster
An unfortunate cow had to be freed by the RSPCA after getting its head stuck in a washing machine drum that had been dumped in its field.
Trauma: the animal was unable to free itself from the washing machine drum
The Cornish cow's ordeal ended after a member of the public saw the animal trying to free itself - and called the animal charity to the scene in Higher Fraddon, St Columb.
"It is one of the more unusual things we have had to rescue an animal from," said RSPCA spokeswoman Jo Barr. "Young cows are quite curious, and she probably thought there was some food inside the drum."
RSPCA inspector David Hobbs rescued the heifer and returned it to the herd. The cow was lucky to escape unharmed after the washing machine incident - but the animal charity warned fly tipping can pose a serious danger to wildlife.
Mr Hobbs said: "Most people hate to see fly-tipping as it is an ugly blight on the landscape, but incidents like these highlight that as well as the visual impact the rubbish can also endanger animals.
"The heifer was probably curious to see a new item dumped in the field and curiosity would have turned to panic once she got her head stuck in the drum and was unable to get it out.
"If people disposed of their rubbish properly many animals would be saved from injury and death. "A large proportion of the injuries the Society's inspectors, animal collection officers, vets and wildlife hospitals deal with are caused by carelessly discarded rubbish and fishing litter."
