Not Passing the Buck

Fire services have spent at least £3.5 million rescuing animals in the past three years including a snail, a cow and a lost duckling.

Firemen helped 17 000 animals over the period, and only four of Britain's 56 fire services have passed on the cost of the rescue to the owners.  In total more than 2 400 cats, 2 180 dogs and 1 700 horses have had to be rescued by firemen.  Crews saved 2 090 birds, including 1 244 seagulls, 159 pigeons, 57 swans and 12 parrots.  26 foxes, 19 squirrels, 7 ferrets, 7 badgers, 10 hamsters, 15 snakes, 11 fish and 7 dolphins were also rescued. 

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