RSPCA

Kitten rescued from being stuckupa50foothigh tree

Akitten which had beenstuck 50 feet up atreefor three days recently was rescued by the RSPCA and fire service and was reunitedwith his grateful owner.

The ginger cat, called Harry, had climbed the treenear his home in Dorney Close, Yarnfield, near Stone, and despite his owner and neighbours trying to entice him down with food the feline was too frightened to move.

Harry’s owner Alan Core, aged 47,contacted the RSPCA and animal rescuer, inspector Pamela Bird was sent to the scene but she could see she would need the assistance of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue to help getthe pet to safety.

However Staffordshire Fire and Rescue were dealing with amajor blaze at the time so RSPCA inspector Natalie Perehovsky returned to the scene on another day. She called for the help of the fire service and they were able to promptly attend.

The first crew,from Stone, realised their extendable ladders would not reach high enough so asecond fire appliance was summoned to the scene withanaerial platform.

Natalie wentonthe platform armed witha basket and some cat food to entice Harry to safety -but as soon as she reached him he was keen to be helped.

She said: “Harry was so gratefultocome towards me he knew we were there to rescue him and Iput himsafely in the basket with some food. “He must have beenvery hungry because as soon as the platform reached the floor all the food had gone. “He seemed very happy to be reunited with avery relieved Alan and it was great to see. I just hope he learns his lesson and keeps away from high trees.”

Alan said: “We were told he was stuck up the tree on Sunday and as we tried to entice him down he seemed more frightened and went higher. “We tried to tempt him down with food that night but he wouldn't climb down so we called the RSPCA for help. “We are so grateful the RSPCA and fire service did agreat job. Harry was happy to get back home and enjoyed more food and pampering but seemed to be happier just to rest up after spending acouple of sleepless nights up the tree.”

RSPCA officers are trained to use ladders, which they carry for rescues like this,however, in situations where they still are unable to reach the animals, they may ask the fire service to help and they often use animal rescuesasa vital training aid.

Natalie added: “The RSPCA works very closely with the emergency services -weare always incredibly grateful for any help we receive from them.”