WATCH: Cow rescued from drain in Richards Bay

THE dangers of stray cattle in the City’s streets and suburbs were highlighted yesterday during a two-hour battle to save the life of a cow that fell into an open drain.

The incident took place at Duralumin Duct in Alton, prompting a hectic hands-on rescue response from neighbouring industries.

First on the scene were Eggerding SA Director Cliff Eva with his Plant Manager Laurens Beytell and Workshop Manager Flip Kapp.

After notifying the SPCA, they proceeded with preparations to lift the animal, which appeared uninjured but extremely stressed, from the drain.

Using a front end loader expertly driven by operator Mandla Mthembu, the cow was gently lifted out its potential grave after numerous attempts that were aborted lest the animal was in danger of breaking a leg.

Eventually the job was done and the cow, despite sporting a number of abrasions, ran off to join the rest of the herd.

Supervising the rescue were SPCA Inspector Shelly Prinsloo, Kennel Manager Shaayne van Rooyen and Kennel Hand Jabu Mlondo.

‘We are grateful for the superb efforts of all those involved in saving this animal’s life,’ said Prinsloo.

‘However, we remain concerned about the increasing number of stray cattle as well as the number of open drains and manholes in the City.

‘We are regularly called on to rescue dogs that have fallen into such openings.’