IN 2019, a bedraggled tawny owl received a deep-clean after falling into a slurry pit.

The RSPCA was alerted after a member of the public discovered the filthy bird in a sorry state huddled up beside the pit.

The charity's inspector Marije Zwager picked up the owl from Broadhembury, near Honiton, in Devon, and took it to the RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre.

Speaking at the time, she said: “The poor tawny owl was in a right state.

"Her beautiful feathers were absolutely filthy and stuck together with thick, black slurry. I held out little hope she would survive this ordeal.

"She’s very lucky to be alive as she very nearly drowned in the slurry."

Centre manager Bel Deering said in 2019: "When we admitted the owl she was very cold, sad and dirty.

"It was hard to tell what condition she was in and whether she would survive due to all the contamination.

Somerset County Gazette: The owl was closely monitored.The owl was closely monitored. (Image: RSPCA/NQ archives)

"After being warmed up, rested and receiving fluid therapy, she was washed in our specialist bird wash room.

"Thankfully the slurry came off well and, after drying, a beautiful tawny owl appeared again."

The owl was monitored and, once well enough, released back into the wild near the area where she was found.

For your own safety, the RSPCA does not recommend handling birds of prey - if you find an animal in need of help, contact the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency line on 0300-1234999.