A pig had to be stretchered out of a field by firefighters when she became desperately ill after giving birth last night.
The sow had about 10 piglets in a field off River Holme View, Brockholes, but about half of them had died.
The fire service technical rescue team based at Cleckheaton was called out by the RSPCA and officers placed the stricken animal in a basket stretcher and got her out of the field.
The RSPCA then took over caring for the sow and the piglets which had survived.
Firefighter Nigel Godsman said: “The RSPCA had attended and asked us to help get the sow out of the field.
“We put her in a basket stretcher and four of us then walked her across the field.”
He said there are about a dozen pigs in the field, which is at the end of River Holme View.
“She was in the top corner of the field.
“She wasn’t at all well. We heard it was some sort of maggot infestation. The RSPCA is looking after her and hopefully she’ll be ok.
“We have rescued horses and cows before, but it’s the first time in 26 years that I have helped stretcher a pig out of a field.”
The technical rescue service covers all of West Yorkshire and undergoes special training in animal rescue.
Kirklees Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team was also called out to the incident.
They said: “We’ve been involved in an animal rescue with RSPCA and West Yorkshire Fire Technical Rescue Team.
“It has not been a pleasant job for any of us.
“The Technical Rescue Team from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service were absolutely fantastic, they did an amazing job. RSPCA were great as usual!
“This rescue is now part of an ongoing RSPCA investigation.”
