We received a call from a member of the public on Bognor Regis seafront who had spotted a pigeon hanging by its foot beneath the pier.
Much of Bognor Pier has now collapsed into the sea, leaving only a narrow frontage accessible from the beach. At the rear of the structure, the wooden decking has given way entirely, making it impossible — and unsafe — to reach on foot.
Recognising the risk, we contacted the Fire Brigade for assistance and met them on site. After assessing the situation, the senior fire officer concluded that attempting a rescue in the conventional way would be too dangerous for his crew. At this point, the tide was still out — but rising.
This left us facing an agonising decision. The pigeon could not be left hanging, but there was no safe way for us to reach it. As the window of opportunity closed, we began to consider whether the kindest option might be to end the bird’s suffering.
Then, in a remarkable act of courage, one of the fire officers volunteered to try an alternative approach. He climbed the metal support structures beneath the pier, swinging between them at considerable height. Using a chimney pole, he managed to unhook the pigeon just minutes before the tide came in.
The pigeon was taken into our care, where his injured leg was gently massaged and he was given rest, warmth and ongoing care over several days. Thankfully, he made a good recovery and was eventually released back into the wild.
We are enormously grateful to the fire officer whose quick thinking and bravery made this rescue possible — and to the member of the public who took the time to report an animal in distress.