Pictured: The curious young cow who got into a spin after getting her head stuck in an old washing machine drum

By Debra Killalea
Updated:


Curiosity may have killed the cat, but fortunately for this inquisitive cow it only brought embarrassment.

The unlucky heifer was exploring the drum of a fly-tipped washing machine when its head became trapped.

The young cow  was unable to free herself and it wasn't until a member of the public informed the RSPCA,  who sent officers to free her, that she emerged unscathed from her ordeal.

Enlarge   Cow

Heavy load: RSPCA inspectors said the cow was probably looking for food

The incident has prompted the animal charity to issue warnings about the dangers fly-tipping can cause.

'It is one of the more unusual things we had had to rescue an animal from,' said RSPCA spokeswoman Jo Barr.

'Young cows are quite curious, and she probably thought there was some food inside the drum.'

RSPCA inspector David Hobbs eventually freed the frustrated cow and she joined the rest of her herd near Higher Fraddon, St Columb, Cornwall.

Enlarge   Cow

Ooops: The washing machine drum was fly-tipped in the animal's field

Mr Hobbs said: 'Most people hate to see fly-tipping as it is an ugly blight on the landscape, but incidents like these highlight that as well as the visual impact the rubbish can also endanger animals.

'The heifer was probably curious to see a new item dumped in the field and curiosity would have turned to panic once she got her head stuck in the drum and was unable to get it out.

'If people disposed of their rubbish properly many animals would be saved from injury and death.'

He added that a large proportion of the injuries the Society's inspectors, animal collection officers, vets and wildlife hospitals dealt with are usually caused by people who carelessly discarded rubbish.

Cow

Spin cycle: Although the cow was distressed she was unharmed




Most watched News videos

{"status":"error","code":"499","payload":"Asset id not found: readcomments comments with assetId=1050606, assetTypeId=1"}