Two Cows Rescued from Manure Pit in 5-Hour Rescue in Meise
Firefighters in the Belgian municipality of Meise, Flemish Brabant, successfully rescued two cows that had fallen into a manure pit on Friday, June 12, 2026. The complex rescue operation lasted five hours and required specialized equipment, including dismantling part of the farm’s roof and using a hoist to lift the heavy animals to safety.
According to VRT NWS, the incident occurred at a farm in the Slozenstraat when a grate above the manure storage pit collapsed under the weight of the cows, causing them to fall into the narrow cavity below.
A Precarious Rescue Operation
The fire brigade from Brandweerzone Vlaams-Brabant West arrived on the scene and quickly assessed the situation. Given the complexity of the rescue, the intervention team was assisted by the specialized “Team Redden van Dieren” (Animal Rescue Team), a unit trained specifically for complex animal rescues.
To reach the trapped animals, firefighters had to partially dismantle the roof above the manure pit. The pit was first pumped empty to reduce hazards and improve access. A hoist was then lowered through the opening, and the cows were carefully secured and lifted out under the supervision of a veterinarian.
“The intervention was very complicated and lasted a full five hours,” said Wouter Jeanfils, spokesperson for Brandweerzone Vlaams-Brabant West. “The cows were stuck after a grate collapsed above the manure storage of the farm, and had to be rescued using a hoist.”
Successful Outcome
Despite the challenging circumstances, both cows were rescued alive and in good health. No human casualties were reported during the operation.
“We are especially happy that we could save the animals and that there were no casualties,” Jeanfils added.
The rescue operation required extreme caution throughout. “That had to be done very carefully and under the supervision of a veterinarian,” Jeanfils explained. “The rescue operation lasted a total of five hours, but afterwards the cows turned out to be completely fine.”
A Recurring Agricultural Hazard
Cattle falling into manure pits is a recurring agricultural accident in Belgium and the Netherlands, where intensive livestock farming is common and grated flooring over manure storage is a standard feature in many barns.
Similar incidents have been reported in recent years across the region. In March 2025, about 30 cows fell through a stable floor into a manure storage area in Herenthout, Belgium, requiring a crane and specialized hip clamp for rescue. In May 2024, firefighters spent three hours rescuing four cows from a manure cellar in Alveringem. And in March 2024, twelve cows weighing up to 600 kilograms each were rescued from a manure cellar in Torhout.
These incidents highlight the risks associated with grated flooring over manure storage in agricultural buildings. When grates fail, animals can fall into hazardous environments where toxic gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia pose serious risks to both animals and rescuers.
Specialized Emergency Services
Belgian fire brigades have developed specialized animal rescue capabilities reflecting the importance of agriculture in the region. Teams such as “Team Redden van Dieren” and “DRT - DierenReddingTeam” are trained for complex animal rescues and equipped with hoists, hip clamps for cattle, and coordination protocols with veterinarians.
The story garnered significant local public interest, with coverage from multiple major Flemish news outlets including VRT NWS, HLN, and Nieuwsblad, and was listed among the most-read and most-shared articles on regional news pages.
What to Watch For
The successful rescue in Meise serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspection and maintenance of agricultural infrastructure. While both cows survived unharmed, the incident raises questions about the safety of grated flooring systems and whether additional preventive measures could reduce the frequency of such accidents in the future.