Firefighters in Millport are set to receive specialised equipment that will save pets’ lives as part of an Ayrshire wide initiative.

The Smokey Paws Resuscitation Kits, funded by the Vets for Pets outlet in Irvine, are being distributed to a number of fire stations around the region, which have been funded by the Vets for Pets outlet in Irvine.

A spokesman for Scottish Fire and Rescue explained that the devices will help try and save the life of any animal.

He said: "Previously we would use a mask, designed to fit either a child or an adult, to revive an animal.

“This is used to give the animal oxygen — it could be a dog, rabbit, cat, anything — while we give it a heart massage.

“However, as they are shaped to fit a face, we have to try and seal the mask and some oxygen may get lost.”

That method is now consigned to history with the introduction of the new masks through the charity Smokey Paws.

“They aim to have a kit in every fire station in the UK and have selected strategic stations just now.

“There are three sizes of masks to fit every pet as well as larger animals such as horses, which is important in rural communities.

“Another problem that we find with the old system is that an animal will; panic when it comes round.

The kits have a muzzle and a lead to counteract that.”