A cat that had been stuck 40 feet up a tree for three days was rescued by the RSPCA and fire service and has been reunited with his grateful owner.
The black cat, called ‘Salam’, had climbed the tree near his home in Rothwell Avenue, in Accrington.
Despite his owner and neighbours trying to entice him down with food the feline was too frightened to move.
One of the neighbours, Amanda Almond, contacted the RSPCA and animal rescuer, inspector Emma Dingley was sent to the scene on Friday morning (March 5).
Emma could see Salam was in trouble, and her ladder was not long enough to reach the cat, so she called for Humberside Fire and Rescue’s assistance, who were covering part of the Lancashire area.
The first crew realised their extendable ladders would not reach high enough, so a second fire appliance was summoned to the scene.
Emma, who is ladder trained with the RSPCA, was attached to a safety harness and went up the tree to rescue Salam and returned him to his grateful owner.
Amanda said: “He was so frightened but grateful to get a cuddle from his owner. She had been up all night worrying about him because she could hear his meows but couldn’t help him.
“The RSPCA and fire service did a great job and all the neighbours are really grateful to them. I know Salam has been spoiled with food but he hasn’t been allowed out of the house yet in case he decides to go climbing again but we hope he has learned from this experience.”
Emma said: “It is always nice to have a happy ending and I am so pleased we were able to rescue Salam and return him to his anxious owner.
“He was a lucky boy as he was so high up in the tree – and he wasn’t very happy when I went to capture him but think he was relieved when he knew I was taking him to safety.”
RSPCA officers are trained to use ladders, which they carry for rescues such as this one.
However, in situations where RSPCA officers cannot reach the animals, they sometimes ask the fire & rescue service to help, who often use animal rescues as a vital training aid.
Emma added: “The RSPCA works very closely with the emergency services – we are always incredibly grateful for any help we receive from them.”
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