Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue's animal rescues

The team has been instrumental in assisting the local animal population, rescuing a diverse range of creatures from unfortunate situations, including snakes, swans, horses, and even marine mammals.

The need for the unit was initially recognised by Hampshire firefighters in 2004 due to an absence of formal procedures for animal rescues.

A Badger in a bathroom in a house in Gosport having entered the house through the cat flap (Image: Supplied)

That necessity led to the inception of this team, offering expert advice and support for the numerous animal-related incidents HIWFRS attends each year.

 Jim Green, animal rescue tactical advisor, said: "Over the 20 years with this team I have been involved with hundreds of incidents and many successful and rewarding rescues. Animals are intrinsically part of our nation, whether for companionship, sport, working animals, livestock or service animals. When emergencies happen to people, they also happen to animals.

“We have a legal and moral duty of care to people and animals and I am proud of the contribution the Hampshire team have made over the years to our national understanding of this unique rescue type.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue service (HIWFRS) is marking 20 years of helping animals (Image: Supplied)

“Over the years we have learned so much from relationships forged with veterinary and welfare professionals, helping shape our approach and understanding of the unique challenges associated with the needs of animals of all shapes and sizes in distress.

"By responding to assist animals during an emergency or disaster, we make the management of emergencies safer and provide the best service for our communities, supporting and improving the physical and emotional wellbeing of people and animals."

The team has been instrumental in assisting the local animal population (Image: Supplied)

The team’s significant work has set standards beyond the local community, with their pioneering practices informing the development of national protocols through the National Fire Chiefs Council.

Further recognitions have seen the PetPlan Charitable Trust sponsor the first dedicated animal rescue unit, and the BBC promoting the team's work through their program, Real Rescues.

The unit also enjoyed Royal attention when HRH The Princess Royal took part in the launch of the Emergency Services Protocol in 2007, aiding emergency control rooms to communicate effectively when animals are in distress.