26 June 2008

A cat in a Wiltshire village was rescued after spending 18 hours grabbing on to high voltage power lines.

A passer-by spotted the cat, named Freddy, while it was suspended 25 feet in the air and close to live power wires.

Fire fighters, RSPCA officers and engineers from power company Southern Electric were finally able to rescue the animal from its precarious position.

After bringing the animal down, RSPCA staff allowed it to run home with a note attached to its collar saying "your cat's had an adventure. Can you please contact us to let us know he got home safely?"

The animal's owner, Emma Evans, said that she hadn't been concerned that the cat was missing as it often wandered off during the evening.

"When I saw the pictures of Freddy hanging on to the wires I couldn't believe it."

"I'd like to think he'd learned his lesson but I think he'll be up to mischief again soon," she added.

Ms Evans, who is a carer from Amesbury, has since got in contact with the RSPCA to verify that the cat is safe and well.