This is not the relaxing spa day Mindy, the Minnamurra cow, had in mind when she first got into her mud bath. Photo: Kiama SES.
Is there a cowspiracy afoot in Kiama?
The Kiama SES Unit has been called to rescue two cows in the past 10 days.
On Tuesday 6 August, crews came to the aid of a cow that had become stuck in a swamp near Minnamurra River.
Mindy – who sources suggest waded in for a rejuvenating mud bath – became stuck and was unable to re-moove herself from the mud.
It was quite the quagmire.
Presumably embarrassed by her plight, it was some time before Mindy called for help.
Fortunately, Kiama SES volunteers had no time for body shaming and calmed Mindy down before they placed a sling under her.
It was a team effort to haul her out, but with everyone holding the ropes Mindy was successfully pulled out of the swamp and able to walk away to greener pastures.
It’s hoped she chooses a more reputable spot to enjoy some R&R next time.
Pregnant cow Brenda may or may not have been tempted by a craving for water weeds before she got stuck. Photo: Kiama SES.
Just a week later Brenda, a heavily pregnant cow became stuck in a creek, surrounded by tonnes of aquatic weed.
It’s unknown whether pregnancy cravings got the better of her and the aquatic weed was too tempting to resist.
Brenda is keeping mum about the whole incident.
Using specialised large animal rescue techniques Kiama SES volunteers, with the help of RFS brigades from Jamberoo and Gerringong, pulled Brenda from the creek onto dry land.
Cluster commander for southern Illawarra SES units, John Wall, attended both rescues, and said Brenda was in much poorer shape than Mindy by the time she was out of the water.
She was covered in rugs and given plenty of fresh hay.
John said the Kiama unit specialised in large animal rescues and usually performed about three a year.
“We started working to improve our skills in that area five or six years ago,” he said.
“This has been a particularly busy year in terms of numbers.
“When it comes to rescuing cattle some of the challenges are their sheer size and weight. They certainly have the potential to cause severe injury.
“Even though we specialise in large animal rescue the first priority is making sure our rescuers don’t get hurt, and then retrieving the animal.”
John urged anyone who saw a large animal in need of help to call 000 straight away.
“The most dangerous animal in Australia is not great white sharks or snakes,” he said.
“We lose more people a year in horse-related accidents than interactions with any other animal.
“If you see an animal in need of rescue call 000 and ask for police, then the rescue coordinator will identify who is qualified to conduct the rescue in your area.”
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