Cow's curiosity lands her in trouble

London, Aug 31: A curious cow got her head stuck in an old washing machine dumped in a field at Higher Fraddon, St Columb, Cornwall. The animal's ordeal ended after it was freed by the Royal Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and was fortunate to escape injury.

However, the animal charity has warned that fly tipping poses serious danger to wildlife. "It is one of the more unusual things we have had to rescue an animal from," the Telegraph quoted Jo Barr of the RSPCA, as saying. "Young cows are quite curious, and she probably thought there was some food inside the drum," she added. A member of the public spotted the animal trying to free herself from the metal drum.

RSPCA inspector David Hobbs rescued the heifer earlier this month and the cow returned to her herd unharmed.

"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," he said.

"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.

"A large proportion of the injuries the Society's inspectors, animal collection officers, vets and wildlife hospitals deal with are caused by carelessly discarded rubbish and fishing litter," he added.

ANI