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Cow lands in swimming pool

Cow lands in swimming pool

Large Animal Rescue Service (GTRD) in action: Cow ends up in swimming pool – professional rescue required – Susy Utzinger Foundation for Animal Welfare finances rescue

While Carnival was in full swing in a Ticino village, it wasn't just the people celebrating exuberantly – 40 cattle also took advantage of the festive occasion for a parade. The most unusual setting for this animal adventure: a private swimming pool. The homeowner was quite astonished when he found a cow in it the next morning.

What initially seemed amusing presented the participants with a demanding challenge that could only be mastered with professional know-how and special equipment.

The team from the GTRD CH/FL base in Ticino immediately set out to safely rescue the animal from the pool. Using an animal rescue and transport net (TBTN) and a front-end loader tractor, the experts were able to gently free the cow and return her to her herd, which was already safely waiting in the barn. Such operations require in-depth expertise, experience, and the right equipment to ensure the animals' welfare at all times.

"This story may seem curious, but it impressively demonstrates how important a professional large animal rescue service is.“,” explains Joachim Mock from the GTRD base in Ticino. Ruedi Keller from GTRD CH/FL adds: "Whether cows, horses or other farm animals – in emergencies they need competent help to avoid injuries or unnecessary stress."

The Large Animal Rescue Service (GTRD) is a specialized unit operating in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein, tasked with rescuing farm animals and horses from dangerous situations. It operates on a voluntary basis within a militia system, similar to most Swiss fire departments. Since 2016, the Susy Utzinger Foundation for Animal Welfare (SUST) has covered farm animal rescue costs that farmers cannot afford.

"We firmly believe that even so-called farm animals deserve humane rescue and are delighted with the success of this collaboration.", says Susy Utzinger. "The number of calls for help to the large animal rescue service shows how important the services of these professionals are." In 2024, the SUST financed 98 such rescues as part of the SUST emergency aid program.

 

Caption:

  • Spectacular rescue: Joachim and Ivan Mock from the GTRD large animal rescue service base in Ticino free a cow from a private swimming pool – using expertise and special equipment.
  • Unusual bather: During a herd of cattle's nightly carnival tour, one cow found herself in a pool in the morning – professional rescue was essential.
  • Safely back to the herd: Using an animal rescue sheet (TBTN) and a front loader tractor, the cow was gently rescued and safely returned to the barn.
Further information
Preview image for the press release
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Media release SUST_Large Animal Rescue.doc
2025—03—SUST-GTRD-TI-HF-1
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Rescue operation March 2025 GTRD base Ticino - Cow in swimming pool
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Rescue operation March 2025 GTRD base Ticino - Cow in swimming pool
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Rescue operation March 2025 GTRD base Ticino - Cow in swimming pool
Image 4—In the transporter, 200x200
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Broken leg while playing with other cattle
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GTRD rescue operation in June 2024 near Eglisau
2024—06—GTRD-Rind-Rhein-Rettung-2
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GTRD rescue operation in June 2024 near Eglisau
Image 5—in the manure pit, 200x200
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A plunge into a full and deep cesspool

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