FIREFIGHTERS IN CORK have rescued a horse that was stuck in a river in the Blarney area.

A concerned person had contacted the ISPCA’s National Animal Cruelty Helpline, telling them the horse had been there for at least two days and was trapped in the muddy river bed with water up to its chest.

The ISPCA contacted the Cork County Fire Service, with the Ballyvolane Amber Unit responding immediately.

It took two hours to bring the horse to safety.

ISPCA Inspector Lisa O’Donovan said it was “not an easy task”, adding that the fire fighters “persevered and used all their muscle power until the animal was hauled to dry land”.

An equine vet then examined the horse, who is said to be “exhausted” but “recovering well after the ordeal”.

All images: ISPCA

The ISPCA thanked everyone who helped in the rescue, saying the horse could have easily drowned.

Another horse had to be rescued from the same river two years ago.

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