Dog rescued after spending two days stuck down badger sett

A dog was rescued following a major operation by firefighters after spending two days trapped in a live badger sett.

Arlo, a Lakeland Terrier, fell into the hole while walking in a field with his dogsitters in Kingsbury Episcopi, Somerset.

When he became lodged, his carers contacted the RSPCA who rushed to the scene.

But the rescue team suffered a lengthy delay before they could start digging as they needed to apply for a licence before touching the live sett.

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By the time the RSPCA had their licence accepted, Arlo had found himself stuck 1.5metres (4.9ft) down the hole and could no longer be seen or heard by his dogsitters.

The Glastonbury fire and rescue team were called in and were finally able to locate the dog with the help of a special camera, pulling him to safety 48 hours later.

Nick, who had been looking after Arlo, said: “He was understandably tired, hungry and very thirsty.

"Despite being given a good drink he was still looking for muddy puddles to lap.

“Arlo wasn’t his usual inquisitive and bouncy self for a couple of days.

“But he’s back to normal now, barking at the window when you arrive home.

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Dean Wilkins, the RSPCA and animal rescue officer who attended the scene, said the rescue mission was a joint effort.

He added: “Once we got the permission however, there was another problem - we couldn’t see, or initially hear, Arlo.

“We needed help, so I called on the local fire and rescue service in Glastonbury.

“They arrived with a special camera to locate the dog, who was wedged down in the sett.”

Wilkins said he was delighted to know Arlo was doing well after his “adventure” but added the incident should remind everyone to keep their dog on a lead if they see signs of badger setts.