AN OPERATION to rescue a flock of sheep stranded on a patch of land surrounded by flood water was abandoned after the risk was deemed 'too great'. 

The sheep had become stranded on patch near St Asaph during Storm Dennis.

The RSPCA deployed a specialist emergency rescue team after rising River Elwy water levels caused the 22 heavily pregnant ewes to become trapped in a field.

A boat was used to reach the sheep where the crew fed hay, however they decided the risk was too great to retrieve the sheep.

As the sheep were all heavily in lamb and it would have been such a treacherous move to get them out of the flooding we decided to leave them where they were,” said RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes.

“As the flood water has begun receding and the farmer was on hand to monitor them, we felt they would be safer left in situ.

“Had we have started trying to rescue them they would have spooked and likely fled into the water where they may well have drowned.”

Mr Joynes said the crew will return to check on the sheep on Tuesday.

The RSPCA advises pet and livestock owners to have an escape plan in place for their animals to get out of danger.

“We are there to help where we can but we urge people to be prepared and make sure they’ve made plans for their pets and livestock,” said Phil Lewis, RSPCA deputy chief inspector and water rescue coordinator.

 “Flood water rises rapidly, so if there is a flood warning don’t hope for the best, act early.

“Don’t put your own or another life in danger to attempt an animal rescue. In case of flooding, the RSPCA has an experienced team - trained to work in water, to rescue both people and animals - to provide assistance to communities affected by flooding.”

RSPCA inspectors were also called to Gwersyllt in Wrexham on February 10 after one sheep was stuck on a bank beside a raging river during Storm Ciara.

The duo were able to capture the frightened sheep and take her back across the river to the mainland where they carried her to a local’s stable to dry off.

If you see an animal outside that looks like it is suffering, call the RSPCA referencing the location, time and date on 0300 1234 999.