How would you get a chimp out of a chimney, rescue a cat trapped in a letter box, or save a hamster from a fireplace?

It sounds like the start of a bad joke - but these are actually just some of the bizarre incidents in the past year that London Fire Brigade (LFB) have been called out to deal with.

LFB is currently urging people to think twice before calling 999 for animal rescues, as new figures reveal that rescuing little creatures cost around £13,000 a month.

And firefighters attended 557 animal rescues in 2014/15.

The number of incidents have steadily decreased, since LFB started its animal rescue campaign, but while the absolute minimum number of firefighters are sent to these incidents, LFB say the level remains too high.

Notable rescues this year involved a fox with its head stuck in a bucket and a squirrel trapped on a satellite dish.

Pesky cats contributed to 287 of all animal incidents LFB were called to, while dogs accounted for less than a third with 82 call-outs.

LFB director of operations Dave Brown said: "We will always be there in an emergency but not all animal rescues need our help.

"As well as being time consuming, animal rescues cost the tax payer and I'm sure most people would prefer their money was being spent on training or fire prevention work, than cats up trees.

"If an animal is injured or in distress please call the RSPCA's 24 hour helpline on 0300 1234 999 or go to rspca.org.uk."

An RSPCA spokesman said: "The RSPCA rescued 127,321 wild, exotic, farm and domestic animals from dangerous and distressing situations last year.

"Wherever we can, the RSPCA will aim to rescue an animal or animals without calling on the resources of the Fire and Rescue Service."

Bizarre incidents that LFB were called out to include:

  • A chimp in a chimney in Tower Hamlets
  • A snake on the roof of a mosque in Camden
  • A fox with its head stuck in a bucket on the roof of a shed in Newham
  • A squirrel trapped on a satellite dish in Wandsworth
  • A hamster trapped in a fire place in Waltham Forest
  • A cat trapped in a letter box in Hounslow
  • A squirrel trapped in a bin in in Wandsworth