Firefighters issue advice to pet owners after rescuing horse stuck in the mud

Firefighters and a local vet worked for four hours to free a horse called Eyke Seasprite who had become stuck in the mud at Fence Houses in Houghton-le-Spring.

The horse had become stuck in mud at Fence Houses in Houghton-le-Spring. | CDDFRS

placeholder image — The horse had become stuck in mud at Fence Houses in Houghton-le-Spring. | CDDFRS

Photographs showed the stricken animal with its legs and part of its body buried in the mud.

The rescue was carried out by firefighters from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) and a vet from Clevedale Vets.

In a post put out this morning (April 15) a spokesperson from CDDFRS said: “Our crews are specially trained in a range of animal rescue techniques and so when they were called out to Fence Houses help the horse in distress they knew exactly what to do to get the poor thing back on its feet.

Firefighters spent four hours trying to free Eyke from the mud. | CDDFRS

“It took four hours and 11 firefighters from Bishop Auckland and High Handenhold Blue Watch to free the horse named Eyke Seasprite.”

“They were also assisted by a fantastic vet.”

Photographs of the rescue showed firefights attaching a hoist to Eyke to lift him out of the mud and onto a rescue board which could then be used to tow him away from the site without the risk of him becoming stuck again.

After being contacted by the Echo, CDDFRS provided an updated statement and confirmed that Eyke is now doing well. They also highlighted a number of measures animal owners should take to help keep their pets safe and to prevent them getting stuck or stranded in similar circumstances.

Eyke is now back in his stable. | CDDFRS

The spokesperson added: “Our firefighters are specially trained in a range of animal rescue techniques.

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“To help keep our much-loved animals and pets safe, we recommend that owners take simple preventative measures.

“Cover any gaps and holes, secure drains and pipes, and regularly check for escape routes in gardens.

“Carry out routine inspections to identify hazards in outdoor spaces like fields, such as ensuring fencing is secure and well-maintained, the ground conditions are suitable, and that gates are in good working order.”

The latest photograph shows Eyke back in his stable and enjoying munching on a bale of hay.