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23

Feb 2021

Last Updated: 23/02/2021
Community
Community

Lucky Ripon cat Loki rescued from windy tree

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 23 Feb, 2021
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Harrogate firefighters used an aerial ladder platform to rescue Loki after his hind legs kept slipping off branches 20 metres in the air during strong winds. The RSPCA has reunited the cat with his owner.

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Firefighters from Harrogate rescued a cat called Loki when he got stuck 20 metres up a windy tree in Ripon.

A member of the public alerted the RSPCA on Sunday when they noticed the eight-month-old grey cat struggling to keep his balance on the branches of the tree on Wayne Tarbard Close in Ripon.

Loki's hind legs kept slipping off branches as they shook in the wind.

When an RSPCA officer was unable to tempt Loki down, extra help was required.

A fire crew from Harrogate rushed to the scene and used a 10.5 metre ladder to attempt the rescue.

But Loki kept climbing higher, and was soon out of reach from even the ladder.

Another crew from Harrogate was summoned, and with the help of an aerial ladder platform was able to bring the furry animal safely back to ground.

https://twitter.com/RSPCA_Frontline/status/1363497675828719616




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After being checked by the RSPCA officer, Loki was reunited with his worried owners.

RSPCA inspector Claire Little said cats were usually adept at finding their way down trees and could be coaxed with strong smelling food like fish. But Loki's circumstances were different. Ms Little added:

“This poor cat had become well and truly stuck in the tree during quite windy weather.
“RSPCA officers are trained to use ladders, which they carry for rescues like this, however, in situations where we are still unable to reach the animals, we may ask the fire service to help and they often use animal rescues as a vital training aid.
“The fire service tried everything from ladders, reach and rescue poles and eventually they used the aerial platform to bring little Loki down to safety."