Hefty hound pulled to safety after being stranded 100ft down river bank
It was a woof day for this hefty hound after he became stranded 100ft down a steep river bank.
And it proved tricky for firefighters to collar the canine who weighed in at a staggering 13st 3lbs (85kgs).
Major the Bullmastiff was out with his owner when managed to get stuck by the River Stour, in Butchers Lane, on the border of Cradley and Cradley Heath.
The huge dog was reached by crews from Haden Cross fire station after being alerted through a 999 call at around 7.30pm on Tuesday.
The fire service's technical rescue team based at Wednesbury fire station were also called to help.
His owner ensured Major was relaxed and he was laid on a blanket.
It was a tricky location for the rescue with the running water from the river coupled with the muddy bank.
Firefighters then set to task working out a way to raise him to safety.
They managed to get the pooch to lie down on a stretcher - usually used to help an adult from the scene to a waiting ambulance.
Once on board he was wrapped up in a blanket and strapped up tight.
Crews created a pulley system to allow him to be brought up the side of the steep bank
West Midlands Fire Service spokesman Matthew Smith said: "The owner was there at the time. Luckily the dog was absolutely fine afterwards."
Crews members from the technical rescue team also tweeted: "Full rope rescue job to get poor old Major, the 85kg up a 100ft bank. Good effort with @hadencrossfire."
It took crews around an hour and a half to complete the rescue and start packing away ready to leave.
