A cow stuck after falling into a drain was rescued in India.

Footage shows the rescue operation, where a JCB excavator was used to pull the animal to safety in Sector 120, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, on September 4.

Local social worker Sonu Yadav said he received a call and message about the incident. The Health Department and Noida Municipal Corporation team were immediately informed to assist and help the distressed animal.

In India, devout locals follow Hindu customs, with cows regarded as sacred animals that cannot be eaten or slaughtered once they have stopped producing milk. The majority of states ban the sale or slaughter of cows.

Instead of dealing with the economic burden of keeping their spent cattle, many farmers let the beasts roam the streets - often leading to them becoming trapped under challenging situations.