A SECOND cow had to be rescued by firefighters in Alvechurch today (July 25), just a day after another distressed animal got stuck in the same stretch of canal.

Firefighters from Droitwich and Redditch Fire Stations rushed to the cow's aid at the Alvechurch Marina just after 2.30pm this afternoon.

Rescuers acquired a commandeered a passing narrowboat and an inflatable rescue boat, using GP lines to lead the distressed animal to safety. The incident happened just 27 hours after the last.

A spokesman for the Worcester and Birmingham Canals Society, which protects the stretch of canal, said: "There was a happy end and no animal or human was hurt in the incident.

"Unfortunately there is no fencing along this part of the canal and it's really easy for an animal to fall in.

"The brigade were heard to say that they would find out who the landowner is and bill them for the rescue."

Fire services have been called to 15,293 animal rescues across the country in the last three years, according to figures released this week.

Those rescues have cost at least £6million with an average cost of £400 per rescue, leading the Taxpayers’ Alliance to question whether it was an efficient use of public money.