Sheep rescued after manhole fall

Would ewe believe it – meet the lucky sheep which fell into an open drain and survived.

The animal was trapped when it fell into the drain in a field near Leominster.

Peering up at the sky the sheep must have believed it would never be found, metres underground.

But, by chance a drains surveyor who was investigating a nearby blockage found the animal and called in the RSPCA.

RSPCA inspector Suzi Smith along with the local landowner came to the rescue and pulled the sheep to safety.

She said: "Thankfully she hadn't suffered any broken bones from the fall so was released back to her flock in a nearby field.

"It was sheer chance that this sheep was found as there were no other sheep in the field so no one was checking the area.

"This incident must serve as a warning to all livestock and equine owners that they must check their fields for any hazards before allowing their animals to graze.

"An uncovered manhole is an accident waiting to happen for animals and wildlife. Hedgehogs are often the innocent victims of uncovered drains, which is completely unnecessary and avoidable if people would just check for such dangers.

"If you find a trapped animal in distress you can call the RSPCA national cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999."