"Fireman Ham" retires from duty

Dominic has been used to help teach firefighters how to handle animals which may need moving during an incident Credit: HorseWorld

A 14-stone pig rescued by welfare charity HorseWorld has retired from his job working with Avon Fire & Rescue Service this week and moved to a farm with other pigs where he can relax and enjoy a well earned retirement.

Dominic was rescued by HorseWorld two years ago after his elderly owner died. After several escape attempts, Dominic soon started working with Avon Fire & Rescue Service, teaching firefighters how to move and handle animals which may need moving during an incident without startling or harming them.

The 200lb pig has helped train dozens of firefighters how to work with escaped animals.

Fire officers are regularly trained at HorseWorld’s Welfare Department.

The course involves simulating rescue situations, including assisting a fully articulated model horse out of a ditch, as well as safely moving animals around the farm.

Dominic is being moved to a farm with other pigs where he can relax and enjoy a well earned retirement. Credit: HorseWorld