A DONKEY found itself stuck in a swimming pool in Godshill Wood, in the New Forest yesterday morning. 

Firefighters were called to the unusual scene at 9.47am yesterday, on Wednesday, June 22. 

The donkey was uninjured and the pool was empty, but a vet did need to sedate the animal. 

It was eventually lifted out and walked back to its paddock by its owner. 

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Whight Fire said: “Firefighters rescued a donkey from a swimming pool in Godshill Wood at 09:47 yesterday morning.  

“Crews from Fordingbridge and Poole were supported by an animal rescue vehicle from Winchester and a HIWFRS animal rescue advisor.  

“The uninjured animal was stuck in the empty pool and a vet was requested to sedate the animal.  

“Crews used a sled and manual lifting techniques to rescue the adult donkey who was walked back to its paddock by its owner.  

“Firefighters left the scene at 11.12am.” 

Bournemouth Echo: Photo: @dorsetphill on TwitterPhoto: @dorsetphill on Twitter

Read more: Fire service respond to cows stuck in mud in Christchurch

On the same day, firefighters rescued two cows stuck in mud in Christchurch.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to cows that were stuck in mud in the Mill Stream behind Waitrose on Wednesday.

The cows had reportedly escaped from a nearby field.

A wading team from Christchurch White Watch and an animal rescue team from Poole worked hard to get both cows back to safety on the river bank.