SEVEN sheep drowned yesterday (10/02) after their flock became stranded in flooded fields in Thame.
Officers from the RSPCA were called to the site near the A418 Aylesbury Road, afer heavy rain and melting snow caused the River Thame to burst its banks. Members of the society’s dedicated flood team waded in to help rescue the 120 strong flock.
In a four-hour rescue effort, three RSPCA inspectors helped the farmer to move the sheep to dry land 200 metrs away, with the help of a tractor and trailer.
Sadly seven sheep drowned prior to the rescue and a further three had to be put to sleep on veterinary advice. Those rescued were treated where necessary by vets at the scene.
RSPCA chief inspector, Rob Skinner, took part in the rescue along with inspectors Will Rippon and Martin Rivett, and trading standards officer, Paul Bates from Oxford County Council. Rob said: “This was a great team effort and we?d like to thank Oxford County Council for their help and the farmer for his cooperation and part in the rescue.
Rob added: “The RSPCA has a flood team which is available to help rescue animals in these situations. However, we are asking owners to make sure that horses and livestock are moved to higher ground in areas where there may be a risk of flooding.”
The RSPCA received 303 calls about animals affected by floods on Tuesday morning (10 February), mainly in Essex, Oxfordshire, Devon and Worcestershire.
To protect animals from severe weather conditions, pet owners and farmers are being urged to:
? Move outdoor pets such as rabbits and guinea
pigs indoors to a garage or shed;
? Keep all domestic pets indoors and ensure
dogs are accompanied at all times when
outside;
? Put horses, ponies and donkeys into stables;
? Livestock should be moved from lowland onto
higher ground to avoid floods;
? Livestock must have access to adequate feed
and fresh water which should be checked
regularly to ensure that it has not become
submerged in water;
? Livestock must have access to shelter
Leave a Reply