A dog riddled with cancer collapsed after someone left him tied up to some railings at a park in London.

Passers-by at Clissold Park, in Stoke Newington, initially thought the dog had been left temporarily by its owner when they first spotted him at around 8pm on Wednesday.

However, when they noticed he was still there an hour later they grew concerned and contacted the RSPCA.

Animal-welfare officers arrived to find the dog, a brindle and white Staffordshire bull terrier, with a bloated belly and overgrown nails.

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The underweight dog was also depressed and lethargic.

Inspector Jemima Cooper said: ‘I find it unbelievably sad that an extremely sick dog who was in desperate need of veterinary attention was left alone to fend for himself.’

He was rushed to RSPCA’s Harmsworth Animal Hospital where vets discovered that he was suffering a severe terminal cancer.

Cooper continued: ‘Sadly, vets have found he is riddled with cancer, and though they are doing all they can to make him comfortable right now, he is in a very bad way.

‘We’re still trying to find out more at this stage as to who dumped him and why.’

The charity has appealed for information and is trying to find out why someone ‘dumped’ him at a time he ‘needed them the most’.

Cooper added: ‘He had a microchip but there do not appear to be any details registered, so we’re asking the public if they happened to see anything on Wednesday that might help our investigations, or if they recognise the dog.

‘The people who found him were really kind and kept him with them safely at a nearby pub until we arrived.

‘He’s a very friendly, affectionate older boy which makes it so much harder to understand why somebody thought the right course of action was to abandon him at a park, at a time when he needed them the most, it’s heartbreaking.’

Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018.

The RSPCA has launched an investigation after the dead body of a kitten was found soaked in urine and faeces, zipped up in a child’s lunch bag.

Police were called on Saturday afternoon after a man made the grisly discovery of the kitten’s body inside the lunch bag in York, North Yorkshire.

The young kitten, who is believed to have been between 10 and 12 weeks old, is feared to have died in the bag.

RSPCA Inspector Alice Cooper said: ‘The kitten is around 10 to 12-weeks-old and is distinctive in her appearance.

‘We believe she’s an oriental breed and is cream in colour with dark grey/brown ears, tail and smudges near her eyes.

‘This poor little kitten was found zipped up in a bright pink cool bag, like a lunch box, with Travel Trace printed in bright blue on the front.

‘I’m concerned she may have been alive when she was shut in the bag due to extensive scratches on the inside of the bag.

‘She was also soaked in her own urine and there was evidence of formed faeces in the bag.’

The kitten was not microchipped and wasn’t wearing a collar or ID tag.

Inspector Cooper, who is now investigating, has launched an appeal to find out whether the poor kitten died in suspicious circumstances.

She added: ‘This is a busy area so I’d be surprised if no one saw the bag being dumped nearby.

‘I’d like to speak to anyone who may know the owners of the kitten to find out how she died.

‘It’s heartbreaking to think of this poor, innocent cat dying a slow and horrible death inside this tiny bag and I really want to speak to anyone who may be able to shed some light on what happened here.’

Inspector Cooper is now speaking to locals and collecting CCTV footage from properties in the area.

Anyone who may be able to assist with the investigation should contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for Inspector Cooper.

A devastated dog owner whose pet died after eating bones is warning others of the potential dangers of ‘natural raw treats’.

Katy Wilson, from Kinmel Bay, lost her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Jilly, earlier this month after feeding her duck necks bought from a pet store.

But less than five days after eating the treats, the 11-year-old dog started to experience sickness and diarrhoea, she was unable to sit or lie down and was pacing back and forth.

The 57-year-old took her to All Pets in Prestatyn, where she underwent an X-ray and a health check which revealed there were fragments of bone causing an obstruction in her bowels.

Tragically there was nothing the vet could do to save Jilly and she died at the surgery hours later.

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Now, the heartbroken owner is warning others of the dangers of feeding natural treats with bones to pets.

She said: ‘Every dog owner should know about the dangers of feeding their pets these treats.

‘I think they should be taken off the market, but at the very least they should have warning signs on the back of the packaging.

‘I’ve never seen any warning about the dangers of these raw, natural treats in the past.

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‘I’m absolutely devastated and I’m angry. She was such a lovely dog. But her story needs to be told. If I can save just one other dog from dying by warning others of the dangers of these treats, I will do her proud.’

Although Jilly had suffered a number of illnesses throughout her life, Ms Wilson said she had been well in the days before her death.

‘It came as a huge shock to die the way she died,’ she added. ‘She had every issue going throughout her life, but I never expected her to go the way she did.’

Ms Wilson, who has three other cavaliers, added: ‘I’d bought them all some new raw and natural treats from a local pet shop so they all had some duck necks. They were all fine.

‘Jilly loved them so I went and got some more a few days later.

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‘There was no warning on the packets that they could cause any harm and I’d never heard of anyone else saying they are dangerous.

‘I’ve seen them in a few pet shops in the area. People need to be aware of the dangers. It was absolutely horrendous.’

RSPCA Cymru said it advises against feeding bones to dogs because of the risks of obstruction, damage to the teeth and fatal injuries.

A spokeswoman added: ‘Most dogs do find chewing items rewarding and relaxing so we would encourage owners to consider other safer dog friendly chew toys and treats.

‘There are many different types of treats available and the suitability may depend on various factors such as the size of the dog and how vigorously they chew.

‘If an owner is unsure whether a product will be safe for their pet they should seek advice from a vet.

‘If a pet is unwell after eating a treat, particularly if they are vomiting or gagging then immediate veterinary treatment should be sought.’

A man who locked his two Labradors inside a car in 29C heat has been banned from keeping dogs.

The RSPCA was called to York Hospital after people spotted the sweltering dogs in Nicholas Foreman’s red Kia hatchback on June 25.

When the animal welfare officers arrived, the police had already smashed the car window to free the dogs.

RSPCA Inspector Alice Cooper said: ‘Both the dogs were panting heavily and were extremely distressed.

‘The car was parked in direct sunlight and, although a window was slightly open, it was incredibly uncomfortable inside the car.

‘The temperature that day was 29C and the dogs were suffering the effects of heat exhaustion so we rushed them to the vets.’

Thankfully, both Zoe, a three-year-old black Labrador, and Penny, a two-year-old chocolate Labrador, managed to recover.

Penny had to have cool baths to bring her body temperature down as it reached dangerously high levels.

Foreman, 58, of Mill Close in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to the dogs at York Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

He was banned from keeping dogs for five years and sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £300 in costs and a £85 victim surcharge.

‘Penny and Zoe were incredibly lucky,’ Inspector Cooper said. ‘Unfortunately, we’ve been called to many incidents of dogs being left in hot cars where the animals have succumbed to the heat.

‘I really hope that cases like this will help to demonstrate the dangers of leaving pets in hot environments when the weather heats up.’

The RSPCA said it received 5,527 reports of animals suffering heat exposure this summer, the majority of which related to dogs being left in hot cars.

Inspector Cooper added: ‘It’s just not good enough – no one should be gambling with their dog’s life.’

Penny and Zoe were signed over to the RSPCA after the incident and are now being looked after by staff at York Animal Home.

They are described as ‘sweet’ girls who are totally devoted to each other and enjoy playing and snoozing together.

Staff are now hoping to find a home for them together, where they can enjoy long walks with a family that is around for them for most of the day.

For more information about adopting Penny and Zoe, you can visit their online profile or contact RSPCA York Animal Home by calling 01904 654949 or emailing reception@rspca-yorkhome.org.uk.

A mum and daughter have been banned from keeping animals after horses, cats and dogs were found living in ‘18th century conditions’.

The RSPCA were called to Cherrywood farm in Gwespyr, Wales, following concern about the condition of several animals.

They found a horse and a dog neglected so badly they were immediately put down.

Shocking pictures taken by animal welfare officers show their emaciated bodies at the rat-infested small-holding, run by Joy Veronica Edwards, 61, and her daughter Phillipa Edwards, 36.

In total, nine horses, two dogs and 15 cats were seized by the RSPCA.

Two of the cats were later put down.

A paddock for horses was more like a pond, and the outbuildings had clearly not been cleaned for some time, a court heard.

The judge said society demanded that people who had animals looked after them properly.

The animals had been kept in conditions more akin to the 18th or 19th century, he said.

Prosecuting solicitor Glen Murphy said a rat infestation had broken out at the premises and the council pest control officer had been called out.

He said the environment the animals were kept in was not suitable and there was concern the defendants did not have the financial means or the physical ability to care for them.

Joy Edwards, who is said to have bred and shown horses at local and county level for many years, was banned from owning horses, dogs and cats for eight years.

She received a 12 week prison sentence suspended for a year with rehabilitation and 120 hours unpaid work after she admitted five charges brought by the RSPCA.

Mrs Edwards must pay £150 costs and a £115 surcharge.

Phillipa Edwards was banned from keeping animals for three years and was fined £300 with £150 costs and a £30 surcharge.

She admitted two charges and had asked that a horse and a dog should be returned to her.

But the banning order means that all animals, including nine horses and three dogs still at the premises, will either have to be signed over to the RSPCA or put down.

Bob Vickery, defending, said Edwards was in a state of distress that one of her horses had been shot and the carcass left for her to dispose of.

That had caused a huge amount of hurt, he said. He said she accepted she should have had it put down earlier.

Mr Vickery said: ‘The animals are their life. They live in an isolated rural location.’

Their difficulties had been made worse by one of the worst winters on record and they were unable to move them to other sites because there were none available, he said.

Black cats haven’t had the best press over the last few hundred years.

All the way from Celtic good luck charms, to the object of deep-seated suspicion and scorn, they’re the moggies that seem to attract unusually strong feelings on both ends of the spectrum, from love to loathing.

Which all seems a bit unfair really, considering that no one has seriously believed that black cats are demons or witches in disguise for at least 300 years.

But still, it feels right that they get their own exclusive slot to serve as center of attention, which is why National Black Cat Day occurs every October 27th.

You might have seen some of the best photos circulating online. Proud owners showing off their felines, or snaps of the local neighborhood cat. All very wholesome and adorable.

Even though some of the most absurd associations might have melted away, it’s still a fact that black cats are by far the least likely be adopted.

So it could be time to do your bit, if you’ve been thinking about bringing a pet into your life.

For those with a bit more disposable income, you can also buy a black kitten—breeds such as the Bombay are solid black and are renowned for their playfulness.

If that’s too much of a commitment, then there are other smaller ways to make a difference. Making a donation to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is one small practical way of providing help, or whichever shelter operates in your area.

An RSPCA spokesman was quoted on what they hope the awareness raising they hope the day will achieve.

‘We are really hoping to highlight how difficult it is for the black cats to find homes compared to their colourful friends’.

‘National RSPCA statistics show black cats on average take 30 days to find their forever homes compared to an average of 19 days for ginger cats’.

‘For us we feel choosing a cat or kitten to adopt should all be about personality, not the colour of their fur and we want to show off our amazing black kitties on National Black Cat Day’.

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Three men have been charged after undercover footage showed pigs ‘jabbed with a pitchfork and kicked in the face and head’.

Other scenes show workers apparently slamming gates on pigs’ heads and laughing at the abuse and swearing at them.

The alleged abuse at a farm in Lincolnshire was filmed by animal rights activists after they were given a tip off.

The video was filmed in April this year at Fir Tree Farm in Goxhill, which is part of the Elsham Linc group, has a herd of around 10,000 pigs and the group is one of the country’s largest pig producers.

Concerns were raised with animal rights charity Animal Equality, who obtained the undercover footage.

Artis Grogprkevs, Gavin Hardy, and Troy Wagstaff have been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to landrace pigs.

In one incident, workers are seen kicking pigs in the face and head, often repeatedly.

In another clip, pigs are jabbed repeatedly with pitchforks and heard squealing in anguish.

Other scenes show the workers slamming gates on pigs’ heads and laughing at the abuse and swearing at them.

In February at the same farm, 70 pigs were killed and almost 200 rescued in a major fire which swept through the pens.

Artis Grogprkevs, 31, of Fir Tree Farm Cottage, Goxhill, Gavin Hardy, 39, of Greengate Lane, South Killingholme and Troy Wagstaff, 30, of Chantry Lane, Grimsby, have been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal between April 2, 2018 and April 27, 2018.

Grogprkevs has been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to four landrace pigs, by inflicting blunt force trauma, physical violence and using a pitchfork inappropriately.

Hardy has been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to two landrace pigs, by inflicting blunt force trauma, physical violence and using a pitchfork inappropriately.

Wagstaff has been charged with two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to numerous landrace pigs, by inflicting blunt force trauma, physical violence and using a pitchfork inappropriately.

They were due to appear at Grimsby Magistrates Court on October 26, but the case was adjourned until November 22, as the RSPCA had not served the men the relevant paperwork.

A woman who caused her cats to drown by pushing their faces down the toilet has been spared jail.

Abbi Mann, 36, called police to claim her pets had been poisoned.

But when officers and the RSPCA investigated in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, they found the bodies of the cats, Bob and Max, dumped in the living room.

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Mann later confessed to pushing their faces into the water in July last year but denied killing them.

However, the mum was found guilty of killing the animals in an inappropriate and inhumane manner after a trial and, on Monday, was sentenced to six-and-a-half months in jail, suspended for one year.

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Sentencing Mann, District Judge Andrew Davison said: ‘It was a dreadful offence on two poor innocent, little cats. It is a sickening and cruel offence and they were drowned not by being tied in a sack and thrown in a river but they have died in your hands which is most sinister.’

RSPCA inspector Rachel Leafe said it was a ‘truly shocking case’.

She said Mann appeared to be ‘drunk’ when she called police a number of times.

She added: ‘During the calls she told the call handlers that her cats had been poisoned before saying she’d pushed one of their faces into the water.

‘The cats were said to have wet fur and there were puddles of water on the floor.

‘When I attended the cats’ bodies were still there and there was fur around the toilet and sink basins.

‘It’s difficult to think about the fear and suffering these cats must have endured in their final moments.’

The prosecution told the jury how Mann, of Chesterfield, killed the cats with her ‘bare hands’ in a ‘cruel act’.

Mann told the court she had found the animals dead outside her home but vets for both the prosecution and defence concluded they died from drowning.

A third cat, found alive in the house, was given to the RSPCA to rehome.

A hand-reared cygnet has been reunited with the man who nursed him back to health after he was left for dead earlier this year.

Sidney the swan was just a day old when he was discovered near Jones Boatyard in St Ives, Cambridgeshire in May and taken into Rob Adamson’s care.

The newborn bird had been abandoned by its mother and attacked by an animal, leaving two large wounds on its neck.

Mr Adamson, who lives on a boat on-site, looked after the tiny cygnet for a period of around seven weeks, taking him on boat rides, shopping trips and even cuddling him in bed.

In July, he decided to give Sidney to RSPCA so he could integrate with other swans.

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But what the 39-year-old didn’t expect was a phone call from animal rescuers three months later – telling him that the swan missed him too much and asking him to take him back.

‘I couldn’t bear to be without him and he clearly missed me too,’ Mr Adamson said.

‘When cygnets are away from their parents they can become really distressed. He tried to adapt to being a swan while he was away but he just wanted to be back on the boat.

‘I think he must have been too used to his home comforts. It was just magical seeing him back in the boatyard, it means everything to me considering all that we have been through.

‘It was just the perfect end to our story.’

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Sidney was first found in May by a marina worker, who spotted him while mowing the grass at Jones Boatyard.

Mr Adamson then took him and nursed him to health with special swan food and green peas – now his favourite snack.

The cygnet quickly adapted to his new life well and even became friends with the marina’s chihuahua, Sophie.

‘I have a little box next to my bed that he is meant to sleep in but he wouldn’t have any of that,’ Mr Adamson said.

‘He is not happy unless he is cuddling up to me and then he can fall asleep straight away.

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‘I pick him up and he falls asleep. If it’s a bit chilly then he will curl up in the corner of my jacket quite happily.’

Mr Adamson decided to give Sidney to the East Winch RSPCA wildlife centre in Norfolk in July once he was old enough to feed himself.

But three months later, they called to ask if he could take Sidney back.

And it seems pair have fallen back into their old lifestyle together – with the swan immediately recognising his former owner’s distinctive whistle and rushing over to him.

‘I am just over the moon because if he had been released somewhere else I would never have seen him again,’ Mr Adamson said.

‘I whistled at him as I would do when I was outside and trying to get his attention and he whistled back rushed over to me.

‘I felt like a proud father seeing him come home. I am so grateful for everything that has happened and for the amazing RSPCA.

‘How often do you get to rescue a baby cygnet from death, raise him and see him grow into a beautiful swan?’

This shocking footage shows the ‘horrific’ conditions reindeer are being kept in at UK farms ahead of Christmas.

Some reindeer were allegedly found with raw, exposed skin, diarrhoea and skeletal abnormalities, while others had broken antlers.

The undercover footage was taken by Animal Aid at three farms in Kent, Staffordshire and Cheshire in 2017 and 2018.

At Kent Reindeer Centre, a worker was filmed apparently kicking a reindeer twice, as well as shouting abuse at the animals in May 2018.

Pictures taken at Blithbury Reindeer Lodge in Rugeley, Staffordshire, in Spring 2018 show reindeer with patchy fur, bowed legs and broken antlers.

Animal Aid claim that one at that centre was in such poor health that it had to be put down.

Meanwhile, photos they claim were taken at the Cheshire Reindeer Lodge show reindeer being forced to live in an empty yard.

Several animals across three centres also had visible ribs while several were kept in ‘desolate’ and ‘unnatural’ conditions, the charity claims.

Tor Bailey, campaign manager at Animal Aid, said: ‘Our investigations have revealed the shocking suffering of these gentle animals.

‘Reindeer are sensitive wild animals, not props to be paraded around and used for human entertainment. I would urge the general public not to support events which feature live captive animals and find other more animal-friendly ways to enjoy the festive period.’

The footage and photos come after government figures show that between 2014 to 2017, 571 reindeer were imported from Sweden, Finland and Norway.

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Animal Aid claim that once they are brought to the UK – usually to be used in festive grotto and reindeer parades – they are susceptible to a variety of diseases and pathogens.

A charity spokesperson said they had reported their findings to each area’s Trading Standards department, DEFRA and the RSPCA.

Dr. John Fletcher, founder of the Veterinary Reindeer Society said he was ‘disturbed’ by the footage and findings.

He said: ‘Reindeer have adapted to live in the Arctic. They are not well able to cope with the stress of captivity, and most of the diseases we see here in reindeer are stress-related.

‘DEFRA need to stop the export of reindeer into the UK.’

Trading Standards at Kent County Council said it had been told about concerns at the centre, and attended but ‘found no particular concerns at times’/

They said one animal was thin due to age and they didn’t take any extra action.

Stephen Swinnerton, owner of Blithbury Reindeer Lodge dismissed the allegations against his farm and said all of his animals were happy and healthy.

He said: ‘The video was footage was taken without our knowledge and if the person concerned had addressed their issues to us at the time, in person, we would have been in a position to alleviate their concerns there and then.

‘The reindeer in question was a retired animal named Forest who I had raised from a calf and who had reached the ripe old age of 17 (very elderly by reindeer standards who barely live beyond 10 years on the tundra).

‘Due to the complaints we had no choice but to have him euthanised, which caused me and my staff much distress.

‘With respect to ‘extensive fur loss’ – reindeer have an extremely thick winter coat which they shed every year in the spring from March onwards – in order that by summer they will be sporting their much shorter (and often darker) summer coat.

‘Whilst they are shedding this very thick winter coat – they shed this in chunks and look very untidy (very unlike how they look at Christmas).

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‘This is totally natural and every reindeer does this every year. They are often mistaken as having some “terrible skin condition” but this is totally normal for every reindeer.

‘With respect to reindeer not being suited to being kept in Britain due to the mild climate – we travel regularly to Scandinavia to visit Sami reindeer herders – on our last visit to Arctic Circle to bring back reindeer moss to feed our reindeer with in July, the temperature there was 33 degrees centigrade.

‘Our reindeer are well fed with totally organic pasture, a specialist reindeer pellet diet with extra selenium, plenty of salt licks readily available and are kept safe from predators – they have no reason to roam.

‘All our paddock fencing here is only 4ft high – any self- respecting reindeer could jump this without breaking their stride but none have ever done so as they feel safe, are well fed and contented with their company.

‘I am a founder member of the British Reindeer Herders Association, hold a full zoo licence and am a licensed by the local authority who conduct regular inspections.’

Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said they have had no reports in relation to the farm and haven’t taken any action.

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) spokesperson said: ‘We are taking strong action to tackle animal cruelty, increasing prison sentences for animal abusers ten-fold.

‘Reindeer are protected by both the 2006 Animal Welfare Act and the 2018 Animal Welfare Regulations, meaning it is a criminal offence to cause them unnecessary suffering.

‘Anyone found guilty of these crimes can be given an unlimited fine or sent to prison.

‘The Animal and Plant Health Agency investigates all allegations of breaches to these strict rules and we urge anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals to report them.’

An RSPCA spokesperson said: ‘It is never acceptable to kick an animal as seen in this footage and when we were alerted to it we sent an officer to the scene.

‘Reindeer are semi-wild animals that are highly adapted to the arctic environment. They have very different needs to deer that are native to the UK and it is much more difficult to meet their needs, particularly when kept by non-specialists in small groups for use at festive events.

‘This means having them in a busy environment, surrounded by crowds, noise and lights during a festive event makes it even more difficult.

‘They get stressed easily and are very susceptible to many health and welfare problems when kept in permanent captivity in the UK, particularly in southern areas.

‘We are really concerned that every year, reindeer are used across the country at festive events and exposed to a busy environment, surrounded by crowds, noise and lights, and this can cause these semi-wild animals a great deal of stress.

‘Anyone with further concerns for the reindeer, or any other reindeer, can call us on 0300 1234 999.’

Metro.co.uk has contacted Kent Reindeer Centre and Cheshire Reindeer Lodge for comment.

The charred remains of a missing pet cat have been discovered near its owner’s home.

The RSPCA said Bonnie the cat was set on fire before being wrapped in a red jumper and dumped on the street.

An investigation has now been launched following the disturbing discovery in Coventry, West Midlands, on October 31.

RSPCA Inspector Ben Jones went to Harefield Road to collect the body, and said: ‘The body was blackened and charred all over as if the cat had been set on fire.

‘The burned remains had then been wrapped in a charred red blanket and dumped under a tree.

‘What we don’t know yet is whether this poor cat was still alive when he was set on fire.’

Inspector Jones checked the cat’s body and found a microchip registered to a nearby home.

The horrified owners confirmed the cat had been missing for over a week.

‘I sincerely hope Bonnie wasn’t alive when she was set on fire,’ Inspector Jones added. ‘If she was alive then this is a really horrifying case.

‘Her body was first spotted on Halloween so my fear is that this is some sort of harrowing prank.

‘This has been really upsetting for Bonnie’s owners and must have been a big shock for the person who found her.

‘I’m really keen to hear from anyone who might have some information that could help our investigation.

‘Anyone with any information can contact us on 0300 123 8018 and leave me a message.’

A cat managed to drag himself home after suffering a fractured skull, split jaw, torn lips and a lost eye in a hit and run.

Maximus was so badly injured in June last year that vets feared he would have to be put down, but his owners knew they would be devastated to lose him.

After a gruelling operation which left him in need of 24-hour care, he has made it through – and now has even been nominated for a national survivor of the year award.

Vets at Inglis Vet Centre in Dunfermline devised a special treatment plan for the pet, known as Maxy, which involved a metal pin to go across the front of his face through his nose to keep the two halves of his fractured upper jaw together while they healed, while his lower jaw was also wired into place.

As he was coming round from the operation, Maxy stopped breathing twice and required resuscitation, but pulled through and was eventually stable enough to go home.

The cat still needed round-the-clock care and nursing, which his owner Sharon Trotter, from Inverkeithing in Fife, took on with support from the vets and nurses.

Ms Trotter said: ‘He needed tube feeding every four hours and his wounds had to be cleaned and redressed every day.’

This went on for over six weeks but Maximus took it all in his stride.

‘He always allowed us and our vet nurses to do everything we needed to, he had such a quiet resolve it was an inspiration.’

Seven weeks after the incident the cat managed to eat his first solid food and is now well on the road to recovery after enduring further treatments and surgery in the months following the accident.

He is one of four finalists competing for the title of PDSA pet survivor of the year 2018.

Vet Erin Logan said: ‘All of our patients are special individuals to us, but occasionally one comes along who is truly inspiring.

‘Maximus’s recovery left us in awe of the healing abilities of nature and just what is truly possible with resilience, character and the determination to survive – he could teach us all lessons about life in adversity.

‘I doubt in the rest of my career I will come across another personality like Maximus and it is a genuine privilege to have been involved with both him and Sharon. I feel he is truly deserving of the title PDSA pet survivor of the year.’

The other finalists, all from England, are a Staffie dog which had an 11-inch (28cm) stick lodged through her throat and chest after a game of fetch went wrong, a cat which was deliberately shot through the mouth with an airgun and a cat which was found impaled on railings.

People can help pick the winner by voting here.

One of the UK’s first ever staffie police dogs has joined the force.

Two-year-old rescue Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cooper, who is specially-trained to find drugs, cash and firearms, is the first of his breed to join Staffordshire Police.

The animal, who lived on the streets as a stray before being rescued by the RSPCA, joined the service earlier this year and has already helped hunt down more than £250,000 of heroin and cocaine.

And handler PC Tim Moss said he is also great at busting negative stereotypes around his breed.

PC Moss said: ‘Cooper was on the streets, he was picked up by RSPCA and was with them for seven months.

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‘It’s an amazing story – one day he was in the kennels, and now he’s a fully-fledged police dog.

‘I have had Cooper since March 2018 and he joined the force the following month.

‘I’m extremely privileged to have him – he’s an amazing dog and we have an amazing bond.

‘It feels really good to have a staffie on the force.’

PC Moss said Cooper is one of the best police dogs in Staffordshire and has become something of an A-lister his county, being invited on school tours and to meet the public.

But he said despite this, not everyone realises how incredible staffies can be and said despite the negative attention the breed can bring, this is normally down to the owners – not the dog itself.

He said: ‘Owners don’t always have experience with this breed of dog, which can be where some of the stereotypes about staffies come from.

‘The houses that we go into mainly have staffies so it’s a good step to be on side with them.

‘Having PD Cooper when doing a raid because it’s a great ice breaker, people are always shocked that we are working a staffie – as either they have or they know someone who has one.

‘But it’s weird, I have a Belgian Shepherd too and people stay on the same side of the road when I’m walking him, but when I’m walking Cooper people tend to cross to the opposite side.

‘Staffies are very unique. I can say with PD Cooper he is very keen to learn and eager to please, he has a very high ball drive, and is very energetic.

‘These are what is looked for in a working dog.’

Cooper was immediately welcomed into PC Moss’ family as a family pet, not just a working dog.

He said: ‘When people found out I was getting a staff, they were made up. My partner and child love him.

‘When I heard there was a staff coming into the force, straight away I knew I’d love to have him.

‘We have an incredible bond.’

A horse who was dumped in a pensioner’s back garden is now ready to go to a new home.

The one-year-old colt, named Mr Melvin Andrews, was discovered in an grandmother’s small garden in Stoke-on-Trent after her 13-year-old granddaughter ‘adopted’ him.

She had read online that the horse would be put down if not rehomed, so shared her Nan’s address on Facebook without her knowledge.

The skinny horse was abandoned back in April but has now been nursed back to health at the World Horse Welfare farm in Lancashire after originally being handed over to the RSPCA.

Little Melvin is now looking for a home where he can be loved and cared for after making a full recovery at the centre.

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A spokesperson for the charity said: ‘Melvin is now ready to find a new home on our Rehoming Scheme after undergoing his rehabilitation.

‘He was quite underweight when he arrived in our care and has put on around 100kg in the six months since being rescued.

‘He’s only a year old so we have been building up his training and education ready to find a new home.

‘He’s quite small and is unlikely to grow big enough to be a ridden pony but would make a lovely companion and would enjoy doing in-hand horse agility.

‘He is a friendly and cheeky chap so would benefit being in a home where he will receive regular handling, with an experienced rehomer.’

The charity released picture of the pony surrounded by garden furniture, wheelie bins and a rabbit hutch after he was discovered by the gran.

RSPCA inspector Charlotte Melvin arrived at the home to find the neglected animal, underweight and malnourished, but an investigation was unable to find Melvin’s previous owner.

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Speaking at the time, Charlotte said: ‘We’re seeing sick or young ponies being dumped and abandoned when their owners no longer want them, and it would be a worry if online free ad sites are being used in this way.

‘Many provide advice on the commitment required to take on a horse.

‘Every horse and pony deserves responsible ownership, which includes responsible breeding, selling and rehoming.

”A 13-year-old girl responded to a plea on an online free ads site where a lady said she didn’t want the pony anymore and that he would be put to sleep if no one had him.

‘She gave her Nan’s address and the next thing that happened was a man just came along and dumped the pony there, no words of advice or anything like that – and leaving a very shocked Nan.

‘We don’t know where this poor pony came from but he clearly was not treated well before being abandoned.’

Someone very cruel left this frightened dog chained to a lamppost in freezing temperatures.

The dog was found dumped in Esher Road, Kingstanding, at around 10.20pm last Friday.

Residents gave the dog a bowl of water but were unable to approach the dog as he was too frightened.

RSPCA officer Vic Hurr, who was sent by the animal welfare charity to the scene, said: ‘This poor dog was tied with a choke chain and was absolutely terrified. He was really nervous but I was able to
safely coax him into a kennel using a grasping pole.

‘I then took him to Newbrook Animal Hospital for a checkup. Once he arrived into our care he was a different character, he was so sweet and such a gent. He was obviously just terrified when he was left tied to a lamppost.

‘Other than being scared and hungry he seemed in reasonable health and is doing well after eating a few good meals.

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‘It is despicable that someone could just dump their pet and leave it on a freezing night in such a vulnerable state.

‘I am so glad the local residents rallied around to help and am now appealing for information to find out who callously abandoned him. I am hoping someone will recognise him.’

An investigation has now been launched to find out who left the dog in the cold.

Anyone with information about who dumped the dog is being urged to call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.

An investigation has been launched after an emaciated dog was dumped by the side of the road ‘less than a day from death’.

American bulldog Oscar was tied up and abandoned at a busy junction in Stockport ‘looking like a skeleton’, RSPCA bosses said.

Inspectors weighed the animal and found he was half what he should be when he was found off Adshaw Lane and Councillor Lane in Cheadle Hulme.

The ‘gentle and friendly’ dog, whose original owner has been traced through his microchip, weighed 22.7 kilogrammes, when he should have weighed 45.

Oscar was discovered at 8am on Monday and taken to Woodcroft Veterinary Group on Councillor Lane.

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He is now in the care of the RSPCA.

Inspector Nadine Pengilly, who said the dog is ‘literally a skeleton’, said: ‘He’s so emaciated.

‘In my 16 years as an RSPCA inspector, he’s the skinniest dog I have seen that wasn’t dead. He was 12 to 24 hours away from death.

‘He has used up all of his body fat and muscle – the next thing to have been used would have been his organs and that would have killed him.’

Oscar, who Nadine said is ‘a lovely boy, nice and friendly’ was placed on a drip for 24 hours.

He is now being fed small amounts every hour to gradually increase his weight without making him sick.

‘He’s so hungry that when you take the plate away he just looks at you so sadly,’ Nadine added.

She has traced Oscar’s original owner, who said they had rehomed him a year ago.

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When Nadine went to that person’s house, they claimed they had given him to an unnamed man he met at a park.

But she said she is positive about Oscar’s future.

RSCPA bosses hope to find him a new home next year once he has gained enough weight.

She is desperate to bring the person who neglected him to justice.

‘I would love to get them,’ she said. ‘Someone’s been sat there watching this happen to him.’

A tiny puppy has died after being dumped outside in the freezing temperatures.

The little Akita pup, who was no more than two months old, was found by a member of the public suffering from a number of health problems.

When RSPCA Inspector Mike Scargill arrived at the scene in Alum Rock, Birmingham, he was shocked by what he saw.

Inspector Scargill said: ‘The poor puppy was clearly in a bad condition when I picked him up. He was thin, lethargic and covered in filth.

‘The problem with his anus was very obvious and this must have caused the pup suffering and distress.

‘Sadly the vet was unable to save him during an emergency procedure and he died on the operating table which is so sad.

‘I would like to trace who is responsible for just dumping this vulnerable pup in his hour of need and am appealing for information.’

Anyone with information about who dumped the dog should call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.

A man has been jailed for causing ‘horrific and abhorrent’ abuse to animals by forcing cockerels to fight each other.

William Henry Welch, of Darlington, County Durham, was found by officers from North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce and the RSPCA at premises in Skutterskelf, near Stokesley, on January 13.

The 29-year-old was one of a number men at the site, where officers found 27 live birds, some of whom were still bleeding fresh from cuts to their body and heads.

Bird feathers and both dried and fresh bloodstains were also discovered on the floor of a stable block.

Welch’s phone was apprehended as part of the enquiry and revealed evidence that he was present at numerous other cockfights on December 19 last year and January 4 2018.

Investigators described the graphic video footage on his phone as ‘sickening’.

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Welch pleaded guilty to charges of causing an animal fight to take place, keeping animals for fighting, and being present at an animal fight on three occasions from December 2017 to January 2018.

He was jailed at Harrogate Magistrate Court on November 26 for 20 weeks and disqualified from keeping all animals for 20 years.

The defendant was also ordered to pay a total of £2,000 costs.

During sentencing, magistrates told Welch: ‘You put your own recreational needs before the welfare of your animals, in the most horrific and abhorrent circumstances.’

A second man, 53, was also sentenced after pleading guilty to being present at an animal fight.

William Chates, of Darlington, County Durham, was sentenced to 120 hours of unpaid work and disqualified from keeping all animals for 10 years.

He was also told to pay £170 in costs.

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Two other defendants from the enquiry had stood trial but were both found not guilty.

‘This is one of the worst examples of animal cruelty I have seen in over 15 years of police service, so much so that I took the decision not to have the investigating officers view the video footage recovered from Welch’s mobile phone, due to its extreme graphic nature and scenes of catastrophic suffering to the animals involved,’ Sergeant Kevin Kelly, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce, said.

‘I would like to acknowledge the anonymous caller who made the decision contact us, knowing that North Yorkshire Police would take the matter seriously. I hope news of this sentence finds its way back to them, and serves as an example of how seriously we take this type of crime.

‘The jail sentence should be seen as a stark warning to animal abusers up and down the country that the police and the RSPCA, given the chance, will come for you.’

The RSPCA’s National Wildlife Crime Coordinator called Welch’s crimes ‘animal cruelty of the highest level’.

‘This was serious and horrific animal cruelty at the highest level,’ Inspector Geoff Edmon said.

‘Not only was this an organised and planned cockfight, it was watched and recorded on video.

‘To have to view these sickening videos is very distressing, and our thanks go to North Yorkshire Police for their significant effort and determination to place this matter before the court.’

A severely emaciated dog has been rescued after it was discovered abandoned and tied to metal railings.

It’s not known how long the female bulldog cross was left alone for, but she was so thin all her ribs and pelvis were showing.

The RSPCA says the dog may have been a product of overbreeding as she has a significant underbite, where her jaw protrudes showing her teeth.

She was spotted at 9pm on Monday in Woodside Lane in Sheffield.

Animal welfare officers from the RSPCA were then called to take her away at 11.30pm.

RSPCA inspector Sara Jordan said: ‘One of my animal collection officer colleagues went out to this poor girl on Monday night.

‘She is extremely thin, with all her ribs and pelvis showing.

‘She is only a young dog but has enlarged mammary glands, which may be a sign that she has been overbred.

‘She has a very pronounced underbite, where her bottom jaw protrudes showing her teeth.’

She was wearing a purple collar with white spots and was tied to the railings with a metal chain lead.

The bulldog is not microchipped and was not wearing a tag so there is no way of tracing her owner at the moment.

Inspector Jordan added: ‘This dog was abandoned alone, in the dark and cold in a very poor state and it’s taken some time for her to get like this.

‘I want to hear from anyone who recognises her, knows someone who had a dog like this that is now missing or saw anything they think might help my investigation.

‘Please call the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and ask to leave a message for me.’

A family of swans that were shot dead in Kent may have been killed due to their association with the Queen.

Two swans and five cygnets were found wrapped in plastic bags after they were thrown down the bank of a stream in Benenden, Kent.

All wild swans in England and Wales are owned by the Queen, and Stephen Knight of the Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton, Middlesex, said that may have been why they were targeted.

Mr Knight told The Telegraph it is ‘not uncommon’ for the animals to be hunted.

He said: ‘The reason they pick on swans is because it is widely know that they belong to the Crown, so they are a symbol of the establishment.

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‘The kind of people who do this are faceless bullies that have got no moral compass.

‘Someone once posted a gag that was titled ‘how to upset the Queen’. It included a picture of a gun and swan, which was locked in a cage. After that we saw a little spike in shootings.’

X-rays revealed one of the birds was peppered with pellets, leading the RSPCA to believe they were killed in an air gun attack.

The RSPCA has launched an investigation into the attack described as ‘senseless’ by inspector Dave Grant.

He added: ‘It’s clear that these poor mute swans have been shot and killed deliberately – one of the birds was peppered with pellets.

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‘It’s absolutely disgusting that someone would purposefully target and kill these beautiful birds, and it’s heartbreaking that an entire family has been wiped out in this cruel incident.’

Officers from Kent Police were called after the swans were found at about 10am on November 24.

Anyone with information about the incident or witnesses to suspicious behaviour in the area should contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.