A pony found completely wedged inside a giant tractor tyre in a Stoke-on-Trent field has made a full recovery after an extraordinary rescue operation involving the RSPCA and local residents.
The dark-coloured pony had somehow become trapped inside the heavy tyre, which was lying on its side, leaving him unable to move and visibly distressed when rescuers arrived at the scene.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Nicola Riley attended after reports that a pony had become completely wedged inside a large tractor tyre.
When she arrived, the pony was unable to move and was visibly distressed. His fur was heavily matted and dirty, although he was still breathing normally.
Residents nearby helped lift the heavy tyre while Ms Riley worked to free the animal piece by piece.
“It was a very delicate rescue,” she said. “The poor pony was completely wedged against the tyre and understandably very scared and uncomfortable.”
She said rescuers had to take a “staggered approach” to avoid injuring the pony, first easing out his front legs before carefully freeing his shoulder, neck and front body.
“Thankfully, everyone worked really well together and we managed to get him out without causing any injury,” she added.
Monitoring his recovery
After being released, the pony initially appeared unsteady and stood briefly with his hind legs still inside the tyre before eventually walking free on his own.
The tyre was later removed from the field to prevent any further danger to animals.
Ms Riley remained with the pony for around an hour to monitor his recovery and said he soon returned to grazing alongside a companion horse.
“He soon returned to grazing and walking around the field again,” she said. “But this could have ended very differently, so I’m really grateful to the local residents who stopped to help.”
The RSPCA has reminded horse and pony owners to ensure fields are kept free from hazards that could pose risks to animals.
Images © RSPCA
