A CALF had to be rescued this week after getting its head stuck in a metal feeder off a public footpath.

The RSPCA and a specialist fire and rescue service crew were called to help the scared calf near Knowsley Industrial Estate on Monday, April 30, after being contacted by members of the public.

One fire engine and the search and rescue team attended and the whole rescue took around an hour.

Thankfully the calf wasn’t injured and trotted off to re-join his mother and the rest of the herd.

RSPCA animal welfare office (AWO) David Hatton went along to check on the calf’s welfare.

He said: “The calf had his head well and truly stuck between the metal bars of the feeder and the mother was there so I wasn’t able to free him alone in the dark.

“He was kicking out and moving around so was clearly uncomfortable and distressed. I needed to get him out.

“I called Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service for assistance and they sent a crew who called in a specialist team from Croxteth.

“The crew used a hydraulic cutter to carefully cut the bars and free the calf without scaring him or mum.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the member of the public who raised the alarm and to the fire service for their assistance in this rescue.”

A spokesman for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews attended the incident and utilised hydraulic cutting equipment to release the calf’s head from metal railings.

“The calf appeared to be unharmed and, once released, was reunited with its mother."

Anyone who spots an animal in distress should contact the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency hotline on 0300 1234999.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing animals in need please donate by visiting rspca.org.uk/give.