Firefighters rescued a Jack Russell puppy who got herself stuck in an underground tunnel after chasing a rabbit on Speedbird Way in West Drayton.
The curious canine sped away from her owner after she saw the rabbit and followed it straight into a hedge. The rabbit came out the other side, but four-month-old Tick ended up wedged down a hole.
Sub Officer Hardeep Dale, who was at the scene, said: “The owners had tried to get Tick out themselves but they were worried how long she’d been there and couldn’t get to her.
“We were banging on the ground to try and locate her and could hear her whining and we then used a thermal imaging camera to narrow down where she was.
“Once we’d located her, we used shovels and axes to dig her out and managed to free her without damaging the hedge. She was fine once we’d got her out and her owner was very grateful.
“We would always encourage people to call the RSPCA in the first instance if they see an animal stuck or in distress.
“Firefighters love animals too and we are always happy to assist if our specialist equipment is required, as it was in this case.”
The Brigade was called at 1621 and the incident was over for firefighters at 1711. One fire engine from Heathrow Fire Station attended.