A STAG which was rescued from a ditch in Wyesham near Monmouth had to be put down because of his injuries, the RSPCA announced.

The animal was rescued by RSPCA Cymru and the Malpas and Monmouthshire Fire and Rescue team on Friday Sepember 13 just off Wyesham Road.

The stricken stag had fallen headlong into a deep ditch and his feet were in the air. Although the fire and rescue team successfully rescued him, he was not responsive and was clearly in extreme distress.

RSPCA inspector Sophie Daniels said: “This was both a successful and sad operation. I’d like to thank our colleagues at Malpas and Monmouthshire Fire and Rescue for their professionalism and compassion but unfortunately this majestic stag was too ill to make it.

"As RSPCA officers we are committed to alleviating animal suffering wherever we find it and I’m proud that we did our best to help this animal.”

To help the RSPCA with rescues like this, you can donate £3 by texting HELP to 78866 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message)