David Orrell, branch manager for McLarens Toplis, had to be ferried by boat to a water damaged farm in the recent storms, the flooding was so severe.

But what a surprise he got when he landed – George Orwell's Animal Farm had come true.

The farming family from Criggion, near Shrewsbury, had herded their sheep and rare water buffalo calves into their home in an attempt to save them from the perils of flooding.

As the water surrounded the farmhouse, Mr & Mrs Dawson rounded the 100 livestock into the ground floor of their home, which had already been destroyed by water.

The house guests stayed for 48 hours before it was safe and the family is still confined to living on the first floor only. Which just goes to show that some animals are more equal than others.


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