‘Hero’ tree surgeon rescues cat after pet evades West Sussex firefighters

Tree surgeon Joe Collier is being hailed a hero after rescuing a pet cat which had earlier evaded capture by firefighters in a major rescue attempt.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s technical rescue unit was mobilised after pet cat Pepsi was stuck in a tree off Broomfield Drive in Billingshurst for five days.

The specialist crew, along with retained firefighters from Billingshurst Fire Station, rushed to the scene around 2pm on Wednesday when missing ginger tom Pepsi was spotted 40 foot up an old oak tree.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Pepsi’s worried owner Rebecca Cherriman had earlier called the RSPCA - who alerted the fire service - after neighbours reported hearing Pepsi’s frantic meows coming from the high branches.

Back home - Pepsi with his owner Rebecca Cherriman. Photo: Graeme  McAlpine SUS-200717-114928001Back home - Pepsi with his owner Rebecca Cherriman. Photo: Graeme  McAlpine SUS-200717-114928001
Back home - Pepsi with his owner Rebecca Cherriman. Photo: Graeme McAlpine SUS-200717-114928001

After scaling the tree and failing to coax Pepsi to them, the crews installed one of the RSPCA’s humane cat traps in the tree, with a dish of cat food in it to lure Pepsi in. They planned to return first thing the following morning to see if the ‘trap’ had been effective.

But, meanwhile, tree surgeon Joe Collier - who works for JLC tree surgery - had been called by a concerned friend who learned of the cat’s plight while dog walking. A neighbour said: “Joe rose to the challenge in spectacular style, leaving onlookers astounded at his swift and professional rescue.

“With the help of a friend, he transferred Pepsi to his owners who were waiting below with a cat carrier.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“With a really big heart, Joe had the specialist skill, the equipment and a strong intent to help.

“Everyone was relieved to see the owner head home to settle Pepsi with a small dinner, water and a warm bed.”