Vets saved dozens of cattle from overturned lorry on A5 near Oswestry
Date of alert:
Thursday, 11 April 2024
Crime Ref:
Force:
West Mercia Police
A team of vets have been hailed heroes after their quick actions saved the lives of dozens of cattle from an overturned lorry.
The incident saw the double-decker vehicle carrying 40 cattle flip over near the Five Crosses Roundabout on the A5 at Gobowen on Sunday, prompting an urgent call to the veterinary teams at Brownlow and Park Issa farm vets.
Their swift response, supported by local farmers and the emergency services, resulted in the successful rescue of 33 cattle under hugely challenging conditions.
David Martin, clinical director at Brownlow, which is part of IVC Evidensia Farm Vets, and the on-call vet who received the emergency call, hailed the efforts of everyone involved.
About 15 local farmers assisted in the operation, bringing the tools and extra hands needed to make the rescue operation work.
It took more than two hours before the team could safely open the lorry’s back door, and about five hours in total to free the last of the cattle.
Sadly, five of the animals had to be put to sleep at the scene to prevent further suffering, and two others died because of injuries they sustained in the crash.
