Fire service called in to help RSPCA rescue deer stuck upside down between walls

The RSPCA received a report from a worried resident in Furness Vale yesterday (Thursday) who reported the trapped male roe deer, who was stuck with his legs in the air, was 'unresponsive', only had a faint heartbeat and felt cold to the touch.

RSPCA Animal Welfare Office Steve Wickham said: “I was very concerned for the poor deer. He was on his back with his legs sticking up in the air in what was a very narrow, twelve-inch gap. He couldn’t move an inch, and I couldn’t get to him.

“He was quite a big chap, and it was clear I would need more help, so a team from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue at Whaley Bridge very kindly stepped in.

“It was a really tricky rescue. He was stuck fast and kicking out in fear. But eventually, with the help of rope and gentle handling, we managed to move him to the top of the wall. There, we laid him on the ground and covered his eyes with a tarpaulin to help calm him. I gave him an examination and discovered that, miraculously, he had no injuries.

“We moved him to a nearby field, set him free and he dashed straight away. This deer had a really lucky escape and my thanks go to Derbyshire Fire & Rescue for all their help in making this incident end happily.”

If you do encounter a wild animal you think needs help, call our 24 hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999 or visit our website at www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredanimals