THERE was no kidding around when three goats who were stuck on a ledge for several days needed rescuing.
Residents spotted the animals high above Cheddar Gorge and called for help after becoming concerned for their welfare.
Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue carried out the rescue mission to reunite the parents with the young kid - who had managed to make its way down alone.
Martin Papworth, search and rescue incident controller for Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue, said: "While animal rescues are not our bread and butter, there were obvious concerns for the welfare
"Our team used their specialist cliff rescue skills to assist the RSPCA in re-uniting this stricken family of goats."
RSCPA inspector Alan Barnes said the rescue was a "great effort".
“It was really rewarding to see the goats bounding happily away after being reunited," he added.
"We are so grateful to Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue, a search and cliff rescue emergency service staffed by volunteers, who carried out the rescue so amazingly, and members of the public who helped with the rescue and release."
It was hoped all three goats would manage to free themselves, but after four days of being monitored by residents in Cheddar, it was decided they needed a help hand.
"The young kid goat had managed to make his own way down the night before the rescue and was then separated from his mum and in a state of distress so we were really keen to reunite them as soon as possible," added Mr Barnes.
“Thankfully, it was possible to catch the two adult goats who were stuck and bring them down in special bags before re-uniting them with the kid and watching them happily go on their way after a check over.
“We’re not sure how the goats found themselves stuck where they were but there is a chance they were chased by a dog so we’re hoping to take a chance to encourage dog-owners to take extra care around livestock and wildlife, especially as the weather gets warmer and more people walk their dogs in the countryside.”
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