Crews rescue donkey stuck in mud

Firefighters rescued a donkey after it got trapped in mud.

We were called to a field in Stock yesterday at 4.30pm and crews from Chelmsford, including the Animal Rescue Unit and off-road vehicle, attended.

Archie the donkey had sunk in a waterlogged area of his paddock and the mud was up to his belly.

Watch Manager Andy Edwards said: "He couldn't move at all because it was thick clay.

"We dug around his legs as much as we could, but we had to wait for a vet to arrive and sedate him so that we could get the strops (special straps used in animal rescues) under him.

"We couldn't get our rescue vehicle close enough and the spades were ineffective, so we dug him out by hand and pulled him out manually. It was tough, dirty work but the crews did brilliantly.

 "Thankfully, we managed to get him out and was soon up and about."

Archie, who is in his mid-twenties, was finally released at 7.26pm.

Deb, Archie's owner, said: "The firefighters were so professional and caring; they were all absolutely brilliant. I'd also like to thank the vet, Charlotte from House and Jackson, for her help.

"Archie was up early this morning and gave us a loud bray, so he is fine!"