The team at Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue is no stranger to urgent calls and dramatic animal rescues. As one of the UK’s dedicated volunteer-based organizations, they are constantly on the go—responding to emergencies, treating injured animals, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the region’s wildlife. Their commitment is unwavering, and their passion for protecting the most vulnerable creatures is evident in every mission they undertake.

One recent call, however, took an unexpected and almost comical twist.

It all began when several concerned individuals reported seeing what appeared to be a distressed animal lying face down in a muddy, waterlogged ditch near Thorpe Park in Cleethorpes Beach. The animal seemed to be stuck, lifeless, and completely vulnerable in the soggy terrain. Multiple calls came in, each more urgent than the last. There was no doubt—this situation required immediate action.

Recognizing the potential severity of the incident, Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue wasted no time. A team of water rescue volunteers was quickly assembled and dispatched to the scene. Time was of the essence. Anyone stuck in cold, wet mud for an extended period is in danger—and if it was a living, breathing animal, every second could make the difference between life and death.

After about 20 minutes of navigating the area, the rescue team arrived at the reported location. The environment was just as difficult as described—muddy, wet, and dense with vegetation. Yet the rescuers remained focused, scanning carefully for the animal in distress.

Then, they spotted it.

Lying in the ditch, partially submerged in the murky water, was what appeared to be a small dog. It was curled in an odd position and coated in a layer of moss and mud, making identification even more difficult. At first glance, it looked tragically lifeless, and the team rushed to pull it out.

But as they got closer, the situation became clearer—and stranger. Something wasn’t quite right. The body was stiff… too stiff. It wasn’t reacting to their presence. And when they attempted to retrieve the animal from the ditch, they realized why.

It wasn’t a dog at all.

The supposed “injured animal” was, in fact, a realistic dog-shaped statue. That’s right—a statue. Not only was it fake, but it had already been removed from the water earlier by a staff member from a nearby location and placed back in the ditch, possibly for safekeeping or as a temporary solution until it could be picked up.

The rescue organization later shared the amusing story on their Facebook page, where it quickly gained attention and laughs from their followers.

“It was a statue!” they wrote. “A statue that had already been rescued by an onsite member of staff!”

While the situation turned out to be a false alarm, the team took it all in good spirits. After all, they had responded out of compassion and duty. It could easily have been a real animal in need—and they would rather investigate a hundred false alarms than miss a single opportunity to save a life.

“It’s always a relief when there isn’t an injured animal to tend to,” a Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue representative told The Dodo. “In this case, it turned out to be something unusual, but we’re just glad people called it in. Better safe than sorry.”

The organization emphasized that they appreciate members of the public who report these sightings. Their vigilance and concern for animals in trouble help keep the community safe and alert. In this case, it was just an inanimate object. But next time, it could very well be a real animal in need.

Following the incident, the statue was safely taken back to the rescue center and is now stationed outside their office. They even jokingly offered to return it to its rightful owner.

“The little dog is now safe and sound outside our office,” the organization posted on Facebook. “If anyone wants to claim the statue then please pop into reception and we will happily reunite you! 😆 Though unfortunately it did get a little damaged in the process!”

The post, paired with photos of the muddy statue, was met with an outpouring of support and appreciation from the community. Many praised the team’s quick response and positive attitude. It was a reminder that sometimes even serious organizations need to embrace humor—especially in the unpredictable world of animal rescue.

Despite the quirky ending, the story highlights the dedication and preparedness of rescue teams like Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue. They respond without hesitation, driven by a desire to protect and serve the voiceless. Even when the emergencies turn out to be less than they seem, their efforts are no less meaningful.

Their work is not easy. Each call could bring them face to face with tragic circumstances. And yet, they go out there—rain or shine, real or fake—ready to act, ready to save. It’s this relentless drive that makes organizations like Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue so vital to communities across the UK.

So, here’s a big thank you to the team—not just for this muddy misadventure, but for all the lives they touch every day. Whether rescuing an injured fox, helping a stranded swan, or retrieving a fake dog from a ditch, their dedication remains constant. Their response to this situation, while lighthearted in hindsight, is a powerful testament to their values: act with urgency, care deeply, and never take a risk with a life—real or not.

Because next time, it might not be a statue. It might be an animal that desperately needs their help. And thanks to their vigilance and that of the public, that animal will have a fighting chance.