UNITED KINGDOM – A cat who was reported dead was later found alive after surviving for two days under a high-voltage electric track in Wirral.
A twelve-year-old tabby cat named Piggy was found by Network Rail engineers under the third rail – a length of live electric rail that provides power for Merseyrail trains – at Bebington station.
The dramatic rescue came about after a member of the public spotted motionless Piggy and assumed the worst.
Piggy the cat is recovering after being found on train tracks in Wirral
Network Rail’s Dave Huntingdon was handed the gruesome task of going to remove what he thought was a dead cat – but was overjoyed to find Piggy very much alive.
After spending more than a week at the vets, Piggy is now back home and recovering from the near cat-astrophe.
Lesley Jones, Piggy’s owner, stated: “We only moved into this house a few weeks before Piggy went missing. He left the house to check out his new surroundings and we didn’t see him for a few days which was quite unusual, so when we received a call from the vet to say that Piggy had been found we had a real mix of emotions.
“We were elated that he’d been found but understandably worried that he’d been injured.
“It’s been quite an ordeal for him, and we’re so relieved to have him back home after his stay with the vet where he was in an oxygen tent and on a course of steroids.
“I think it’s safe to say that he’s had his fair share of excitement for a while and I’d like to thank Network Rail for rescuing him.”
Piggy was found as a stray when he was taken in by his owners at only a few months old.
Following his harrowing ordeal, he is still unable to move his back legs properly but is eating well and is on the road to recovery.
Dave Huntington, who rescued Piggy, explained: “We’d been told of what was believed to be a dead cat under the third rail at Bebington station. I attended with colleagues where we discovered the cat still alive although he was unable to move his hind legs.
“We rescued Piggy and took him to a nearby vet who cared for him. Fortunately, Piggy was microchipped so we were able to identify his owners.
“I’m not sure how many lives Piggy used up while under the live third rail with many trains travelling through the area but I can’t imagine that he’s got many left!”
He went on to say: “For safety reasons we would strongly urge members of the public to not go on to the rail network if they suspect their pet is there. Instead, alert us on our national helpline and our trained engineers will endeavour to bring them to safety.”
Owners who suspect that their pet may have somehow strayed onto the rail network can call the 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.
