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Cow rescued after nine days at bottom of Devon cliffs

The heifer is taken off the boat

A cow trapped at the bottom of cliffs for more than a week has been rescued by firefighters and the RSPCA.

The animal was spotted in its precarious position on rocks between Hallsands and Start Point, Devon, by a member of public on 22 August.

Farmer Fred Ansell fed hay to the heifer, nicknamed Rocky, by kayak.

On Friday, the year-old Devon Red Ruby was stunned by a vet before being levered into a boat and taken to safety on a nearby beach.

Mr Ansell said: "The rescue operation went excellently. Rocky is standing up and looks bright and happy."

cow in a boat
The heifer was sedated by a vet before being brought to shore by boat
Fred Ansell cow on rocksFred Ansell
Fred Ansell CowFred Ansell
Jeff Gillard rescue operation taking place on rocksJeff Gillard
The RSPCA, RNLI Salcombe lifeboat crew, HM Coastguard, fire service and a vet all assisted in the operation
cow in a boat
cow in a boat
Cow

Rocky was transferred to a trailer to be taken back to Start Farm, where she will be fully checked over by a vet.