Cow rescued from milking parlour

Firefighters were able to rescue a cow that got stuck in the milking parlour of a farm at Avebury this morning (31 July).

A crew from Marlborough and an emergency support unit from Swindon were called to Manor Farm in Green Street at 7.42am, where the cow had got wedged between some railings and a wall.

Hydraulic cutting equipment was used to cut the railings and prise them away from the wall, before firefighters were able to help the cow to her feet.

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service is currently reviewing its processes for animal rescue, and control room staff have already received additional training to help them give safety and welfare advice to callers.

Station Manager Sarah Allen said: “Animal rescues are potentially very dangerous for firefighters, and the challenge is to ensure the safety of our crews while looking after the welfare of the animal. On this occasion, the cow was released unharmed and didn’t even need sedation during the rescue, although a vet was on hand just in case.”

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