Dominic the pig helps train firefighters

A pig named Dominic has been helping firefighters in Somerset learn how to herd animals just in case they have to do it for real. Nicknamed 'Fireman Ham', the 200lb porker proved too hot to handle for a team of firefighters as he did everything he could to elude their grasp.

The Kune Kune pig was rescued a year ago after his elderly owner died, and after making several bolts for freedom, staff at the HorseWorld charity in Bristol realised he would be the perfect choice to help firefighters learn how to handle animals.


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“As a fire service we are attending more and more incidents involving large animals so we are learning about the behaviour of the animals so that if we have to rescue them we can do so in the easiest, most humane and practical way for the safety of the animal and safety of the fire crews," said Watch Manager Steve Quinton.

“The pig can get up some pace so if he comes running at your it's a little bit nerve-racking. We have all learned a great deal about how an animal will react, and can now deal with it based on its behaviour, having learned how to hold it and how to lead it.