A family pet had a lucky escape after getting wedged between two walls.
The RSPCA was called to help injured cat Pippin, who became stuck in a six inch gap on Wednesday, January 6 after a concerned member of the public heard his cries.
The tabby was trapped between two garages in Beechwood Avenue in St Albans.
It is thought Pippin entered the gap – which ran the length of two houses – from the back. He was close to the front, but still about eight-10 feet in and out of reach.
It is believed he had been stuck for approximately four hours before a passer-by noticed him crying.
Animal collection officer Kate Wright, came to his rescue.
She said: “It was a very difficult rescue and Pippin didn’t look very responsive in there.
“I had to create a makeshift, extra-long pole and then stretch in as best as I could to try and reach him.
“I had to remove a few lumps of rubble out of the way first.
“He clearly couldn’t move at all and looked pretty weak, but eventually I was able to reach him.
“I eventually managed to carefully pull him free, with my heart in my mouth.
“He was freezing cold and very much in shock, so I surrounded him with hot water bottles.”
Pippin was rushed to a nearby vets where Ms Wright stayed with him for an hour, helping him to warm up.
Pippin had been microchipped so his owners were found and he was able to go home 48 hours later.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here