A DOG stuck in a stairlift, a horse stranded in a manhole and a chinchilla trapped behind a cavity wall.

These are just a few of the many bizarre animal rescue dramas firefighters have faced across Cheshire.

A Freedom of Information request by the revealed that Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 165 incidents involving animals between August 2008 and August 2011.

In Chester, Frodsham, Malpas and Tarporley, crews were called to 29 incidents, with horses the most common animal in need of rescuing, followed by cats, dogs and birds.

The most unusual rescues in Chester included dogs stuck in a stair lift and under a bath, a bird trapped in a TV aerial and a bull stranded in a tree stump.

Elsewhere, a sheep was rescued from a river in Malpas and a cat was released from a cavity wall in Frodsham.

Across the county, horses were the most common animal in need of rescuing with a total of 43 incidents, including one case where a horse had to be captured on the M6 after its horsebox had overturned.

Cat rescues came in second (38) with dogs (33), cows (21) and birds (16) completing the top five.

Animals were mainly rescued from trees, roofs, water – including frozen lakes and ponds – and holes.

Some of the other more unusual incidents across the county included a stranded dog released from the springs in a sofa, a cat rescued from a car engine and a duck saved from a sewer.

Tackling blazes or dealing with the aftermath of a car crash may be considered the most common roles of a firefighter, but animal rescue is a major part of the job.

Phil Hales, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service area manager, said: “We invested in two Animal Rescue Units to improve the safety of all personnel who are involved in the rescue of large animals across Cheshire.

“The specialist equipment has meant that crews are able to deal with the incidents more quickly and efficiently reducing the distress and risk of harm to the animal involved and also improving the safety of firefighters and members of the public.”

“As part of our annual consultation we are giving residents of Cheshire the opportunity to give their views on how the service responds to animal rescues.”

To get involved in the consultation, visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk and complete the online questionnaire or request a paper copy by calling 01606 868408.