Trapped badgers rescued from pipe near Newport
Two trapped badgers were to lucky to be found and rescued by the RSPCA after they fell into three-foot deep pipe in an isolated spot in Shropshire.
A dog walker spotted the struggling animals in Cheswell Drive, in Cheswell, near Newport, after her pet had dropped his ball in some bushes and she went to retrieve it.
The badgers had fallen down an old pipe, which had been into the ground in an upright position, and were unable to escape.
Inspector Nayman Dunderdale from the RSPCA managed to free both both fully grown female badgers on Thursday.
She used a grasper pole to help him lift them out of the pipe and place them safely down onto the ground.
The animals were uninjured and made their way into a nearby field once they had been freed.
Inspector Dunderdale said: “It is such an isolated spot, the badgers were very lucky that the dog had dropped his ball otherwise they would have not have been found and would have certainly died.
“It was when the dog owner went to look for the ball that she heard a rustling sound and came across the trapped badgers in a pipe.
"I have no idea what purpose the pipe serves but it is obviously a danger to some wildlife.
“I think the badgers may have been playing and just fell into the hole but fortunately for them no harm was done and they have a dog to thank for saving their lives.”
Anybody who sees a badger they have concerns about are asked to call the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999. The charity recommends never trying to handle or contain a wild badger.
