Fire department saves pregnant cow from swimming pool in Belgium
- A pregnant cow fell into a swimming pool after escaping from a pasture.
- The Pepingen fire brigade used a telehandler to rescue the cow from the pool.
- This incident highlights the necessity of proper fencing and monitoring for farm animals.
In Belgium, a pregnant cow became trapped in a neighbor's swimming pool after escaping from a pasture. This unusual incident took place in Pepingen, where local fire brigades were called to respond to the emergency. The cow, weighing approximately 700 kg, was struggling to stay afloat in the pool. Rescuers utilized a telehandler, a vehicle equipped with a telescopic arm, to hoist the cow out of the water safely. This was not a standard task for the fire brigade, indicating the unique circumstances of the event. As the operation unfolded, the local fire department noted that this incident was particularly significant as one of their veteran firefighters was about to retire, making the rescue feel like a tribute to his years of service. The community was reminded of the importance of safeguarding farm animals to prevent such emergencies in the future, including recommendations for secure fencing and regular monitoring of livestock behavior to prevent escapes into dangerous areas. Overall, the successful rescue demonstrated the dedication of the fire crew and raised awareness about animal safety on farms.