The pandemic saw a surge in people getting pets with an estimated 3.2million welcoming four-legged friends to the family (Picture: RSPCA)
Animal charities are bracing for an influx of abandoned pets this winter as rising living costs, Christmas and Covid take their toll on families.
The pandemic saw a surge in people getting pets with an estimated 3.2million welcoming a four-legged friend to the family.
But as the nation enjoys the festive season, The Dogs Trust and RSPCA are warning many of those animals may be cast aside.
They’ve seen an 182% increase in traffic to its web pages looking for information about giving up a dog, a 39% increase in phone calls from people wanting to hand over a pet and 55% in email enquiries.
The Dogs Trust says the biggest driving factor behind the increase is behavioural problems.
Something it says has been exasperated by changes in our usual routines.
Operations director Adam Clowes said: ‘Demand for dogs reached an all-time high during the pandemic and the addition of a dog to the family has made a positive difference to many people’s lives.
One year-old lurcher Bramble was skinny and had an injured leg when he was found huddled in the undergrowth in Middlesbrough in October (Picture: RSPCA)
It’s not just cats and dogs being abandoned – this mouse was dumped in a plastic box with a bag of her food and toys near Bridgwater in Somerset in early December (Picture: RSPCA)
‘However, dog ownership is a big commitment and some people are now discovering, as life returns to normal, that sadly their new circumstances mean they simply can’t care for their dog anymore.
‘One of the most common reasons why dogs are handed into Dogs Trust is behaviour-related issues that could have been prevented early on.
‘A rise in problematic behaviours, exacerbated by changes in the dog’s routine as its owners return to work and life as it was before the pandemic, could mean families have no option but to give up their dog.’
Last December, the RSPCA received 51,815 calls for abandoned animals, with 770 calls received on Christmas day, 1,091 on Boxing Day and 1,691 calls on New Year’s Eve.
Between December 2020 and February 2021, it received 3,004 reports of abandonment in England and Wales and 12,344 of neglect.
Dog welfare specialist Dr Sam Gaines said while the expected surge in abandonments had not happened yet, the charity was mindful the next few months would be tough for many.
A greyhound called Duke was found tied to a tree in Oldham in early December (Picture: RSPCA)
She said the charity had been ‘very much bracing’ for ‘an influx of pets as a result of the pandemic’.
‘We haven’t seen that happen to the extent we thought we would, which is obviously something we are very pleased about,’ she said.
‘But we are now starting to see some abandonment and pockets of animals being surrendered and abandoned to the RSPCA.’
The RSPCA is the only charity with rescue teams saving all types of neglected and abandoned animals across England and Wales.
In a bid to bolster its resources this winter, the animal charity has launched a Christmas Rescue Appeal.
Let us introduce you to the year’s most awkward animals (Picture: RSPCA)
As we come to the end of 2021, it’s customary to look back on the past 12 months and consider what we have done with them.
For most of us, there will be some things we’re proud of and other things… not so much.
But if you do regret that awkward text, misspelled tattoo or wave at someone who was actually looking at someone else, just remember that none of us are perfect and we all have those moments we wish we could take back.
Take, for example, this gang of miscreants – who had to have the RSPCA called out on them, and had their shame immortalised in the process.
The animal charity has shared some of its funniest, most surprising, or just downright weird rescues of the year, and it actually cheered me right up?
Out of 281,390 incidents reported to the charity’s emergency hotline up until November this year, some probably won’t be forgotten quickly.
Here we go…
1. Toilet snake
More of a nightmare, this one, I’ll be honest (Picture: RSPCA)
You thought things like this only happened in Australia?
Sorry to break it to you but that photo was taken in Hale, Greater Manchester. Unfortunately, some exotic pet owners forget to keep the cage door closed, or perhaps they just watched too much Free Willy.
This particular serpent was lurking in the loo of Coronation Street actor Harry Visinoni – who plays Seb Franklin.
‘I didn’t take it in at first and then looked again and realised what I had actually seen so I left the bathroom quickly and closed the door,’ he said.
‘We went back in and watched as the snake then slithered onto the top of the toilet and sat on the seat just looking at us!’
He and his girlfriend called the RSPCA the following morning and rescuer Sonia Hulme went to collect the royal python, now hiding behind the radiator.
It has been named Lulu and is now being cared for by specialists.
2. Ladder badgers
You’ve heard of snakes on plane, but what about badgers on a ladder? (Picture: RSPCA)
We’re not quite sure how or why these two badgers ended up halfway up a ladder on a canal in South Wales.
They seemed pretty tangled up, and luckily someone reported it to the charity.
RSPCA officers alongside firefighters were called to the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in Cwmbran on February 5.
They abseiled down the canal wall and grabbed one of the badgers with a grasper, with nets below as a precaution.
The second badger jumped into the water and, after clambering back onto the ladder, was pulled to safety.
Both badgers were checked over and released back to the wild.
Sian said: ‘Without doubt, this was the most bizarre and unusual day of my 15 years spent on the frontline for animals.’
3. Teething problems
What a gnaw-ty pup (Picture: RSPCA)
George the puppy needed help after getting his teeth stuck on the bars of his crate.
Kate Atkins had been crate-training her 11-week-old Westie pup on 15 March when she heard him squealing and found he’d got his top jaw stuck on the bars.
She called the fire service and RSPCA officers for help.
Inspector Anthony Joynes travelled to Wales to help. He said: ‘George was in a real pickle. He was in a very uncomfortable position and his owner had had to hold him for 45 minutes while I rushed down from the Wirral to their home in Flint to help.’
He used bolt-cutters to cut through the bars.
Owner Kate said: ‘Anthony managed to cut George out quite quickly and I gave him a big cuddle before taking him to the vet for a check up. Thankfully, he hadn’t sustained any major injury, other than a few bruises, and I was able to settle him down when we got home, tired and a bit quiet.’
4. Fox in a duck
Look at the eyes! (Picture: RSPCA)
A fox cub found itself in a fix after getting stuck fast inside a metal duck-shaped planter.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Brian Milligan was called to Faversham, Kent, on April 13.
He said: ‘Fox cubs are incredibly inquisitive and that does mean they end up in rather strange situations sometimes.
‘This poor little cub had got himself wedged inside a metal wire, duck-shaped planter in someone’s garden.
‘It took a while to cut him free and his mum was nowhere to be seen so we took him to our wildlife centre nearby to be reared before being released when he’s old enough.’
5. Owl ornament
Looks like it belongs there actually. It’s the owl’s house now (Picture: RSPCA)
A Merseyside couple had a shock when they heard a commotion coming from their living room and found a tawny owl sat on the fireplace.
The bird had flown down the chimney, knocked over some of their possessions, smashed a vase and then sat on the mantelpiece and had a nap.
RSPCA inspector Lisa Lupson went to the Southport home on April 27 and managed to usher him out of the window.
The following day, he was back again in the same place having apparently enjoyed his stay.
Homeowner Ed said: ‘I couldn’t believe it the first time – then the fact it came back the day after – I thought I might have to start charging it rent!
‘It was so funny to see it sat in the same spot and he actually looked like an ornament on the mantle shelf rather than a real bird.’
Animal rescue officer Lauren Bradshaw caught the owl and released him in the garden.
So far, he hasn’t yet returned…
6. Blue pigeon
Not quite as undignified as the seagull that fell in a vat of curry (Picture: RSPCA)
A pigeon was left feeling blue after falling into a tray of paint at a Surrey police station.
RSPCA rescuer Nat Kitchin was called to Guildford Police Station on May 5 by the decorators after the pigeon got more than he bargained for.
Nat said: ‘The decorators were painting the cells and found a pigeon who’d managed to get locked in.
‘In his panic to escape he fell into a tray of blue paint and ended up in a right mess.’
Nat caught the bird and took him to Wildlife Air nearby where staff were able to clean the water-based paint off his feathers.
Once he was clean and had been given the all-clear he was released back into the wild.
‘He’d definitely done his time,’ Nat added.
7. Squirrelled away
We feel a bit like this trying to wear jeans post-Christmas (Picture: RSPCA)
A greedy squirrel needed a hand after getting wedged in a birdfeeder in Northwich, Cheshire, on June 19.
Rescuer Caren Goodman-Jones was called after a resident spotted the stricken creature in the neighbour’s garden.
He was stuck in the feeder which was hanging from a bird table.
Caren said: ‘In his struggle the feeder fell to the floor and when I arrived it had rolled into some nearby bushes.
‘He was obviously frightened but otherwise appeared unscathed from his ordeal – however he probably needs to lay off the nuts for a while!’
She freed him in situ and he made a quick getaway.
8. Swan dive
Yes, you are looking at a swan in someone’s bathroom, in front of broken glass in a basin (Picture: RSPCA)
An elderly woman had a lucky escape after a swan crash-landed through a double-glazed window – just moments after she left the bathroom.
The bird was flying when she hit the window of the chalet home in Barton in Fabis, Nottinghamshire, on January 11.
She went to investigate the smashing sound and found the bloodied bird sat dazed and confused on her bathroom floor.
A neighbour who heard the commotion and went to help called the RSPCA and Inspector Keith Ellis went to collect the bird.
The swan crashed right through the window (Picture: RSPCA)
The swan needed surgery and rehab (Picture: RSPCA)
He said: ‘I think the swan was looking and flying to the nearby River Trent and must have misjudged the direction.
‘It was also quite windy at the time which may have blown her off course.
‘I have seen them crash-land onto busy roads thinking they are rivers but nothing like this – it is so bizarre.’
She was taken to a vet and needed surgery and stitches before being transferred to the charity’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, in Cheshire, for rehabilitation.
9. Not such a mountain goat
If you look closely, you can see the goat halfway up (Picture: RSPCA)
RSPCA and fire officers were called to help a goat who got stuck halfway up a 50m-high cliff edge in a County Durham quarry.
Members of the public spotted the animal stranded on the ledge in Raisby Quarry, Coxhoe, on January 20 and raised the alarm.
Inspector Terri-Ann Fannon and Newton Aycliffe Fire & Rescue Service launched a rescue mission.
She said: ‘We were able to carefully use the fire hose to spray water just below the goat to gently encourage him to move and coax him to safety.
‘Goats are excellent climbers so we knew if he could be encouraged he’d be able to climb back up the cliff himself.’
The goat made it to the top to a safer position, much to the delight of the rescue team.
10. Stuck stallion
This one is probably the most awkward rescue – and he did it to try for some romance as well. You thought Tinder was difficult? (Picture: RSPCA)
A stallion found himself in an embarrassing spot after getting stuck straddling a gate.
Rescuer Tina Nash was called to a field in Rochester, Kent, on August 10 after passing walkers spotted his plight.
She said: ‘He was trying to get to the mares but obviously isn’t the greatest showjumper and got himself stuck halfway.
‘He could have walked along the fenceline a little further to see his lady friends!’
A crew from Kent Fire & Rescue Service came to help winch the skewbald from the gate and release him back into his paddock.
11. Sheepish goalie
‘You’re probably wondering how I ended up here…’ (Picture: RSPCA)
A ewe managed to get tangled in netting in Rossendale, Lancashire.
A homeowner raised the alarm on August 22 and rescuer Vicki McDonald went to lend a hand.
The poor ewe had got herself stuck in netting from a football goal and had it tangled around her neck.
Thankfully Vicki was able to cut her free, check her over for injuries and release her back to her flock in the neighbouring field.
The RSPCA recommends putting netting away when not in use as it can pose a hazard to animals who can get tangled and seriously injured.
12. Python at large
It’s definitely reminding us of Kaa and that Disney hypnosis scene (Picture: RSPCA)
A motorcyclist had quite the fright when he was riding along a quiet country lane in Conington, Cambridgeshire, and spotted a huge snake slithering in the road.
RSPCA rescuer Justin Stubbs went out to help on August 27, but the snake had climbed up a tree.
He said: ‘I really could not believe it when I got there and saw this huge snake all the way up in the tree – it was a scene a bit reminiscent of the Jungle Book!’
He called the fire service for help and, together, they cut the branches around the 10ft reticulated python – thought to have been abandoned – and caught him on tarpaulin below.
Justin added: ‘I’ve rescued hundreds of animals from trees over my 25 years with the RSPCA, cats, birds, foxes, and I’ve been called to many snakes, but I wasn’t expecting to see this stunning animal wrapped high up around tree branches in the English countryside.’
13. Brabados getaway
An unexpected stowaway (Picture: RSPCA)
A lingerie-loving lizard travelled more than 4,000 miles in a woman’s bra from Barbados to Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
The globe-trotting gecko was spotted by Lisa Russell when she returned to her home on September 8 and went to unpack her suitcase.
She gave her bra a shake and saw the gecko scamper off.
She said: ‘I thought it was a tiny dead creature and then when it moved I started screaming – it is not what you expect to find in your bra after a 4,000-mile journey!
‘I wasn’t sure what to do – but managed to put it safely in a box and then called the RSPCA for help.’
Sandra Dransfield was sent to collect the gecko and took him to a specialist for care.
14. Podge-hog
Someone fetch the vaseline (Picture: RSPCA)
A hedgehog found himself in a bit of a prickle after becoming wedged between the bars of a metal gate in Nottingham.
He was discovered on September 20 after a worried member of the public called the RSPCA for help.
Rescuer Teresa Potter said: ‘The poor hog had managed to get stuck between the bars of the metal gate and there was no way he was getting out on his own.
‘The member of the public had tried to free him and called us for help.
‘He was quite a large boy, and so I had to carefully and slowly wiggle him out.
‘I checked him over and although he didn’t have any injuries he was breathing fast so I took him to a nearby vet as a precaution.
‘Fortunately he was given the all clear – so I was able to release him back to the wild – where he could make his way back home.’
15. Reptile on the roof
You would be quite surprised to see that (Picture: RSPCA)
Okay, I need a closer look… (Picture: RSPCA)
A runaway lizard prompted a major rescue mission after he slipped out of his enclosure, climbed out of a window, scaled the outside wall of his terraced home and settled in to sunbathe on the roof.
RSPCA inspector David Grant was called to Folkestone Harbour in Kent on September 27 to help the daredevil lizard.
David said: ‘It’s the first time I’ve ever been called out to rescue an iguana, particularly one on the loose on a roof.
‘As it was so high up, I called Kent Fire & Rescue who were able to provide their expertise and equipment to help get the lizard down safely.
‘We didn’t want him to run off by frightening him unnecessarily, so we used my drop-net to capture him and we soon had him back on the ground.’
He was reunited with his owners who will now be taking extra steps to make sure he can’t escape to heights again.
16. Skunk at B&Q
The lesson here is to always microchip your skunk (Picture: RSPCA)
A missing skunk who’d been on the run for a week was rescued and reunited with his owner after giving staff at a DIY store in Nottinghamshire a bit of a shock.
Rescuer Dan Bradshaw was called to B&Q Worksop on 19 October after staff opening up found him eating bird seed outside.
They managed to corner and confine him before calling the RSPCA for help and Dan was able to trace his owner. ‘
It was lovely to be able to reunite Tilikum with his owner. I advised them to get him microchipped so they could be reunited more quickly in the future should he ever escape again.’
17. Dog in airing cupboard
And be careful with dogs and boilers too (Picture: RSPCA)
A spooked dog got stuck behind a water tank at her home after being frightened by a loud noise.
Her owner, June Coates, tried to coax her out but called for back-up from the RSPCA.
Rescuer David McAdam went to help nine-year-old Suzie after she got wedged tight in the airing cupboard in Nottingham on October 28.
He said: ‘Poor Suzie heard a loud noise at a building site nearby and it terrified her and she bolted into the airing cupboard. She then got her rear left leg stuck under a pipe tight onto her hip.
‘I had a good look but it was impossible for me to get her free as removing her could have potentially ended up hurting her.’
A plumber drained the tank and cut the pipe so her rescuers could carefully pull her free.
June said: ‘I am just grateful to everyone who worked to help free her. She burned herself under her tummy so I took her to the vet for treatment. I’m so glad that she was freed – it was a worrying time.’
18. High-rise cat rescue
The rescue was quite high up (Picture: RSPCA)
The cat got wedged in a gap on a neighbour’s balcony (Picture: RSPCA)
An indoor cat managed to escape from an eighth floor window then got stuck in a ledge on a neighbour’s balcony after climbing along a ledge on September 21.
RSPCA rescuer Nick Jonas and London Fire Brigade came to the rescue in Camden Town, London.
Nick said: ‘They called in their turntable ladder team to chip away part of the stone wall ledge so we could free the puss and return him to his owner who was there to oversee the whole rescue mission.’
19. Badger in compost bin
Quite fashionable actually (Picture: RSPCA)
A badger found himself stuck inside a compost bin after trying to scavenge fofr some food.
He climbed inside and then couldn’t get back out, ending up looking like a nested Russian doll.
RSPCA rescuer Louis Horton rushed to Guildford, Surrey, on November 24.
‘The green plastic compost bin would normally have a lid secured on top but this inquisitive and hungry badger had spotted an opportunity for what he thought would be an easy meal and clambered in through the open top,’ he said.
‘The compost bin was around 2ft tall and narrower at the top so although the poor little guy could poke his head out of the top, he couldn’t squeeze himself up and out.
‘I used some power tools to carefully cut the top of the plastic away and lift him out.’
The badger went to Wildlife Aid Foundation for a check-up before being released two days later.
Luckily someone spotted him and called for help (Picture: RSPCA)
A badger found himself stuck inside a bright blue compost bin after trying to scavenge for some food.
He climbed inside the open top in search of a snack, but then couldn’t get back out.
Luckily, his head was spotted poking out from the bin and the RSPCA was called in to help.
Rescuer Louis Horton rushed to Guildford, Surrey, on November 24.
He said: ‘The green plastic compost bin would normally have a lid secured on top but this inquisitive and hungry badger had spotted an opportunity for what he thought would be an easy meal and clambered in through the open top.
‘The compost bin was around 2ft tall and narrower at the top so although the poor little guy could poke his head out of the top, he couldn’t squeeze himself up and out.
‘I used some power tools to carefully cut the top of the plastic away and lift him out.’
The badger went to Wildlife Aid Foundation for a check-up before being released two days later.
His story was shared as part of a round-up of the year’s strangest rescues from the RSPCA, which include an iguana on a roof and a gecko which stowed away in someone’s bra from a Barbados holiday.
It’s thought Mistletoe had been left behind by the property’s previous owners (Picture: RSPCA)
Squatters are every homeowner’s nightmare but what do you do if you move into a new home and find it is already occupied… by a cat?
That’s exactly what happened to one Norwich family, who found a black cat living in a kitchen cupboard at their house just before Christmas
It is thought the young animal, who has since been named Mistletoe, was left behind by the property’s previous occupants.
Unable to keep Mistletoe, due to already owning dogs, the family called the RSPCA who promptly came to rescue her.
RSPCA Inspector Amy Pellegrini, who collected Mistletoe on December 17, said: ‘The new homeowners really weren’t expecting to find a cat in their kitchen cupboard when they moved in.
‘They must’ve had quite the surprise!
‘They were worried as they have dogs of their own and they didn’t want to frighten Mistletoe any more than she must’ve been already.
‘I went there to help, pick her up and take her to be checked over.
Mistletoe is now looking for a new home (Picture: RSPCA)
‘She was such a sweet thing. I named her Mistletoe because she was found just before Christmas.
‘I took her to the vets and thankfully she was in good health – and absolutely lovely.’
After her check-up Mistletoe was moved to RSPCA Mid Norfolk and North Suffolk Branch for further care.
Charlotte Billington, animal welfare officer at the branch, said since arriving, Mistletoe had settled into the centre well.
After being taken into the care of the RSPCA, Eve is now on the road to recovery (Picture: PA/RSPCA)
A tiny otter cub found close to death and ‘discarded in a bin’ has defied the odds to make a full recovery.
The otter, since named Eve, was discovered suffering from hypothermia in Durham by a passer-by on Christmas Eve.
She was taken in by the RSPCA and is now being nursed back to health at Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire.
Eve is said to be doing ‘fantastically’ and well on the road to recovery, marking a true Christmas miracle.
Once fully rehabilitated, she will be returned to the wild, a process that will take around 12 months.
Steph Baines, an RSPCA inspector said: ‘It appears that someone found the tiny otter cub and because she was so cold thought she was dead so discarded her in a bin.
‘Then another member of the public later noticed some movement so rushed her to a nearby vets.
‘She was suffering from hypothermia due to the cold and had to be warmed up slowly and then she was given fluids and hand-reared with kitten milk mixed with fish every two hours and started to recover from her ordeal.
‘We decided to name her Eve as she was found on Christmas Eve.’
She’s feeling a lot better (Picture: RSPCA)
Lee Stewart, manager at Stapeley Grange, said: ‘It is always very exciting to have an otter cub with us as up until the 1980s they were struggling in the wild.
‘They weren’t protected by legislation until 1978, at which point numbers were low, but over time their numbers have steadily increased and they have made a comeback in most counties in the UK.
‘As a result we are seeing more being brought into Stapeley Grange.
‘Otter rehabilitation is very specialised and you need to have suitable facilities to care for them.
‘Young otter cubs can be with us for up to 12 months before they can be returned to the wild so their care is not only time consuming but expensive.’
Sugar gliders – a type of possum – are native to Australia, New Guinea and parts of Indonesia (Picture: RSPCA/John Zou)
A tiny possum has been rescued after finding his way into a London flat.
John Zou, 27, woke up to an unexpected visitor at 5am on Monday when a sugar glider floated into his sixth-floor bedroom.
He said: ‘I was scared it might be a rat but when I went to investigate I found this little creature.
‘I didn’t know it was a sugar glider so I sent photos to some friends and they helped me identify it.’
John made sure the little guy was safe in his bedroom and even filmed themselves sharing a fruity meal together.
John kept the sugar glider company while they waited for the RSPCA to come rescue him (Picture: RSPCA/John Zou)
Sugar gliders are named for their love of sweet foods and are native to Australia, New Guinea and parts of Indonesia.
They are kept in captivity in the UK, so it may have got lost or abandoned by an owner, who underestimated its needs.
It is legal to own sugar gliders as exotic pets but the RSPCA believes they are not suited to living in British houses.
RSPCA officer Francesca Tambini said: ‘Sugar gliders look incredibly cute and this little guy is adorable. It’s easy to see why people might be tempted to buy them as pets but we would urge them to reconsider; these animals need very specialist care.
‘I expect this little guy is an escaped pet or has been abandoned locally before turning up on this man’s balcony.
‘Unfortunately, we do see these sorts of animals being abandoned from time-to-time when their owners realise how difficult it is to meet their needs in a household environment.’
The tiny creature is now living with a specialist keeper in Cambrigeshire (Picture: RSPCA/John Zou)
John thought the sugar glider was a rat at first (Picture: RSPCA/John Zou)
The sociable animals are nocturnal and omnivorous, meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night.
They are used to warmer climates and therefore need UVB lights while in captivity so they do not develop metabolic bone disease.
‘They are also arboreal, meaning they spend their lives up in the trees, and can glide for 50m or more, which would be extremely difficult to provide for in a typical home,’ Francesca added.
The RSPCA has rehomed this glider with a specialist keeper in Cambridgeshire, who has looked after these animals before.
People thinking about getting exotic pets are seriously warned by the animal welfare group to do as much research as possible.
Exotic pets ‘have the same needs as they would in the wild’ and owners will have to meet those needs.
She loves people but only has her cuddly toys for comfort at night (Picture: RSPCA)
Meet Bella, the lonely lurcher who is in desperate need of a forever home.
Bella loves people, but because she missed out on some socialisation skills at a young age, she’s had a hard time with adoption.
The two-year-old has now spent most of her life in kennels even though she loves being around people.
Hannah Hawkins, RSPCA behaviour and welfare advisor at the Ashley Heath Animal Centre in Ringwood, said: ‘Although we try to spend as much time with her as possible, we simply can’t be with her all the time.
‘And she has sought solace in her cuddly toys, especially Winnie the Pooh who she cuddles up with every night.’
RSPCA staff were initially worried Bella would never find a home when she first arrived in 2020 as she is scared of other dogs, gets lonely and suffers from anxiety.
Bella is a friendly, affectionate dog who loves to spend time with people’ (Picture: RSPCA)
Look at that face (Picture: RSPCA)
Hannah added: ‘Bella was originally rehomed to a family from another charity.
‘But they struggled to cope with her behaviour around other dogs and agreed to sign her over to the RSPCA for behavioural work.
‘Bella is really worried by other canines and lacks socialisation skills that she missed out on in her early, formative months.
‘We believe that incorrect management has worsened this, and she was incredibly frustrated when we first started working with her.
‘But, thankfully, after months and months of intensive work we’ve started to see her making improvements.
‘She’s responded well to our training and has even made some doggy friends here at the centre.’
What a sweet lady (Picture: RSPCA)
Winnie the Pooh is her favourite toy (Picture: RSPCA)
An RSPCA spokesperson said staff believe she’s being ‘misunderstood’ by adopters.
‘Bella is a friendly, affectionate dog who loves to spend time with people,’ they added.
‘She enjoys being groomed and loves nothing more than fuss and attention.
‘She enjoys running off-lead, playing with her toys and splashing in the water.
‘She has responded well to training and enjoys the treats she’s given as rewards.
‘She’ll need time to get to know new dog friends and can be reactive to unknown dogs.
‘So she’ll need an experienced and confident adopter who can continue her training and be mindful when walking her.
‘She’d like a large, enclosed garden as she really loves to run and play off-lead.
‘We feel she’d be best suited to an adult-only home in a quiet area where she can go for rural walks away from lots of other dogs.
‘She has struggled with separation anxiety in the past so will need owners who can initially spend lots of time with her and slowly teach her that it’s okay to be left alone.’
The RSPCA thinks the way the dog’s body was disposed has ‘suspicious’ (Pictures: RSPCA/Getty)
The bloody body of a dog seems to have been padlocked into a suitcase and dumped into a river.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has launched an investigation into what happened to the animal after a dog walker spotted the trgaic scene.
The pet-owner found the pink luggage around the River Mersey, near the Speke and Garston coastal reserve, in Liverpool on Tuesday
When she looked closer, she found that the case was ripped and had a dog’s body inside of it.
Animal rescue Inspector Anthony Joynes said the pet – which was not microchipped – had been hurt on his nose and mouth.
Now, the RSPCA is trying to trace the owner of the young male dog.
The suitcase is bright pink and has the name ‘Chantell’ written in black marker on the side.
This is the only clue investigators have.
The dog had clearly been hurt on his nose and mouth as well (Picture: RSPCA)
Investigators found the name ‘Chantell’ written in black marker on the bright pink suitcase (Picture: RSPCA)
The suitcase was spotted by a dog-walker in the River Mersey (Picture: Getty)
He said: ‘I am treating this as suspicious as the dog had blood loss from his nose and mouth suggesting a blunt force trauma incident to the head could have caused the death of the dog.
‘The fact the body was put in a suitcase which was padlocked and thrown into the river is also suspicious.
‘Sometimes these injuries can be from road traffic accidents but x-rays have found no broken bones which would be expected – and the way the body was disposed of is clearly unusual.
‘I am now keen to trace the owners of this dog and am appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.
‘I think the body had been in the river only for a short period looking at the fact there was little decomposition.’
Anyone with information should call the RSPCA appeals line on 0800 123 8018.
David Littlefare and his ex-girlfriend Olivia Watson admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal (Picture: MEN Media)
A dog was left without veterinary treatment for weeks or even months despite being covered with ‘countless’ scabs and having teeth so rotten she couldn’t eat.
Pippa, a West Highland white terrier, died on her way to be examined after the couple who owned her finally called the RSPCA.
David Littlefare, 25, and his ex-girlfriend Olivia Watson, 22, have now admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and they will be sentenced in March.
Littlefare told police it happened because he was on a low income, but admitted that he could have done more for her.
He admitted digging a hole in his Yorkshire garden to bury Pippa.
The dog’s awful condition was reported to the authorities after he called the RSPCA himself to ask them to put the dog down because she was so ill.
The volunteer arrived and found the dog was ‘was weak, covered in scabs and with rotting teeth – but still breathing’.
She died on her way to the town’s branch of the RSPCA.
David Littlefare said he didn’t have enough money to help the dog (Picture: MEN Media)
His ex Olivia Watson said she felt the dog was Littlefare’s responsibility (Picture: MEN Media)
Littlefare and Watson, both of Goole, appeared at Hull Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Ms Louise Freeman, prosecuting, said the condition of Pippa was ‘distressing’ to the RSPCA volunteer, who noticed ‘clotting around the dog’s back end, the ears had black substance in and around it, the dog was thin and smelled as though something was off’.
Ms Freeman said: ‘She was visibly underweight, her spine, ribs and hipbone were protruding. Her fur was in extremely poor condition and there was obvious loss of fur on her back end.
‘She had numerous sores which had been scabbed over, scabs were black and yellow. There was also a substantial amount of compact faeces under her tail. She had fleas on her head and body and fleas were seen crawling on the blanket.’
Pippa’s body was taken to the vets, who found evidence of dehydration and self-trauma caused by the flea infestation. The dog also had severe dental issues that made it difficult for her to eat.
The vets also said it was hard to determine cause of death due to her condition but that she was likely to be reluctant to eat because of the pain suffered.
Ms Freeman added: ‘A responsible owner should have sought veterinary advice, but not doing so, it contributed to the dog suffering.’
The court heard that Littlefare had owned the dog but brought Pippa along with him when he moved into Watson’s home.
Watson had taken Pippa to the vet a few times but felt it was Littlefare’s responsibility to look after her.
The magistrates felt that a pre-sentence report was needed from the probation service before a sentence could be issued and so adjourned the case.
Littlefare will appear in court again on Tuesday, March 15 and Watson will appear on Wednesday, March 23.
Nala the kitten suffered three rib fractures and a broken leg (Picture: MEN Media)
A man and a woman have been banned from keeping animals for five years after their kittens suffered multiple broken bones in half a year.
Oliver Vatcher, 23, and Paige Smith, 25, were prosecuted after their seven-month-old cat Simba had to be treated for head trauma, a broken tail, three broken ribs and a possible dislocated jaw.
Inspectors said the animal’s injuries were not accidental but both owners claimed not to know how it got hurt.
The RSPCA were called to investigate after another animal charity raised concerns in November 2020.
Two months later, Simba’s sibling Nala suffered three rib fractures, believed to be from different times, and a broken leg.
Inspector Thomas Hutton said: ‘The injuries sustained by both cats would have caused significant pain and suffering.
Simba suffered from a head trauma, broken tail, three broken ribs and possible dislocated jaw (Picture: MEN Media)
‘Both kittens received treatment for their injuries and have recovered well and have since been rehomed.’
Vatcher, of Ainslie Street, and Smith, of Daubney Street, in Grimsby, insisted to magistrates they had not caused the injuries and were not aware who did.
They claimed they do not believe either of them were hurting Simba and Nala.
But the pair pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the kittens by failing to prevent multiple non-accidental injuries.
The court handed them a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
The RSPCA has revealed its funniest callouts of 2021 (Picture: RSPCA)
RSPCA officers rushed to rescue a chair from a river, a toy tiger in distress, and a man from his own sofa last year.
The animal charity had one of its busiest times in 2021, with 281,390 reports of trapped animals.
But staff were forced to tell some callers ‘to go to Specsavers’ after being summoned to hilarious situations.
One officer rushed to help a ‘swan tangled in electric fencing’ after the River Stout burst its banks in Dorset.
A passing driver had pulled over to call experts out when she saw the bird in peril.
Describing the incident, officer Graham Hammond said: ‘I went out to check on the bird and had prepared to call out the water rescue team for back-up.
‘But before they hit the road, I managed to get closer and get a good look at the ‘bird’ – which turned out to be a white plastic chair floating in the water!’
Another blunder listed in the RSPCA’s funniest call-outs of 2021 was a crying dog spotted tethered tightly to a canal boat in London.
Inspector Dale Grant said he was ‘really worried I could be walking into a dire situation involving a dog in a really dangerous predicament’.
‘But it turns out I needn’t have worried’, he continued. ‘The “dog” in question turned out to be a stuffed toy tiger that had been tied onto the bow of the boat!’
‘Snakes’ were a common problem last year, with reports of them stuck in sofas, in blocks and on garden chairs up and down the UK.
A terrified man in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, called the RSPCA about a large reptile that was trapped in his sofa.
The dog in distress was nothing but a stuffed toy tiger (Picture: RSPCA/Triangle News)
One man was certain a large snake was stuck in the sofa he bought a few months before… (Picture: RSPCA/Triangle News)
… but it was just another part of the sofa (Picture: RSPCA/Triangle News)
He claimed to feel the body of a snake under the cushions that he’d bought a few months earlier.
But when doubtful inspector Kim Walters went to the rescue, she discovered the ‘cold-blooded creature’ was just another part of his new sofa.
Meanwhile, a woman and her son became nervous when they spotted a snake sitting on their garden chair.
They called the police who alerted the RSPCA, but rescuer Martyn Fletcher was happy to tell them the King Cobra was the plastic kind – a toy of one of their neighbour’s children.
Another rescuer rushed to a report of a snake stuck in a white block in Cranham, Gloucestershire.
It was a taxidermy snake arranged inside a block as part of an art piece.
‘I left a note attached to the piece to explain that the snake was not real and to avoid any further call-outs’, officer Beth Boyd said.
Worried onlookers were tricked by plastic items more than once last year.
Concerned rescue officer Shane Lynn braved icy January conditions to help a duck that had been ‘stuck in frozen ice and unable to move for two days’.
But he needn’t have worried as the bird in Middlesbrough, North Yorks, was nothing but an ornament.
An RSPCA officer rushed to save a plastic ornament of a duck (Picture: RSPCA/Triangle News)
A taxidermy snake arranged inside a block fooled one onlooker in Cranham (Picture: RSPCA/Triangle News)
A few hours away, rescue officer David Holgate expected a sad scene when he was alerted to a dead badger in a rural spot near Scunthorpe, Lincs.
He said: ‘A passerby had spotted a number of black bin bags, one of which was split open and the body of a dead badger could be seen poking out.
‘I thought I’d be investigating the suspicious death of a beautiful badger but I was quite relieved when I arrived to find fly-tipped rubbish bags containing garden waste.
‘The upturned contents of a flower pot – clumped soil and plant roots – did look suspicious from a distance.’
Mistakes also happen in the sky, as animal rescue officer Lisa Miller discovered when she rushed to a bird tangled in a flag pole above a block of flats in Woolwich, London.
The animal had apparently ‘been trying to fly away but couldn’t free itself’.
But Lisa said: ‘When I arrived at the scene I quickly established that I wouldn’t need to launch a rescue mission; as it was a plastic bird scarer.
‘The woman was very embarrassed but we had a giggle and I told her she should go to Specsavers.’
It comes after a dead leopard on the A646 turned out to be something completely different a few years ago.
This plastic bird scarer had apparently ‘been trying to fly away’ (Picture: RSPCA/Triangle News)
Thankfully, a ‘dead badger’ was just some fly-tipped rubbish bags (Picture: RSPCA/Triangle News)
Bandit was kept muzzled in a crate for years after he attacked a cat (Picture: RSPCA)
A ‘sweet and lovable’ dog who was kept muzzled in a crate for at least two years is finally free after being rescued – and he’s now looking for a very special home.
Five-year-old mastiff cross Bandit arrived at RSPCA Brent Knoll, in Somerset, in September, having been rescued by Inspector Miranda Albinson.
The welfare worker said: ‘Poor Bandit was in a real state when he first came into our care, having been signed over by his owners who just couldn’t meet his needs.
‘He’s a big dog but was underweight and had suffered significant hair loss around his backend as well as poor muscle tone, possibly caused by long-term malnutrition.
‘His eyes were sunken and he was suffering from entropion; a painful condition in which the eyelid turns inwards causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye.’
Miranda says that Bandit ‘was a pitiful sight’ when he first came in, most likely due to the way he’d been living.
RSPCA staff addressed his health issues, which included poor muscle tone and eye problems (Picture: RSPCA)
She explained: ‘He’d had a really tough and restricted life, having spent at least two years living in a muzzle and shut in a crate following an incident in which he attacked the resident cat.
‘He was never given free access to the garden as it was not secure and he’d experience confrontation in the family, leaving him fearful and nervous.’
Responding well to treatment and training, Bandit is described as ‘sweet and lovable’ (Picture: RSPCA)
Staff gave Bandit some time to settle into kennel life and helped him put on some weight (increasing from 31.5kg to 42.5kg) and improve his muscle tone. He also underwent surgery on his eyes.
Although he’s on the mend physically, though, it’s clear that he’ll need some extra help in his new home to work through his past.
He may need some extra time to get used to a normal home environment (Picture: RSPCA)
Brent Knoll deputy manager Katy Darelli said: ‘Bandit’s experiences will stay with him for life so it’s really important that we find a special home for this sweet and lovable lad.
‘He can be nervous meeting new people so we’d ask that his new owners continue working on socialisation training with him, including slow introductions with strangers in a controlled, safe and positive manner.’
Because he’s spent so much of his life in a crate, many things are new to Bandit. As a result, he may be nervous being left home alone or in a car, and his potential owner should be mindful of gradually acclimatising him.
Katy added: ‘He’s always been happy being handled and coped well with vet visits, so we’d be keen that these positive experiences continue regularly in his new home to ensure he has a positive association with this.’
Could you be the person to turn poor Bandit’s life around? (Picture: RSPCA)
Bandit is a big, strong boy and staff would also like to find owners with experience of owning a large breed. He cannot live with cats or other small animals, and staff feel he should go to an adult-only home.
Those who wish to adopt the traumatised dog should also consider how they’ll help him to adapt to a normal home environment, as he may need extra toilet training and can be vocal (particularly when he sees other dogs).
Nonetheless, for the right person Bandit would be a perfect pet, being described as a clever boy who enjoys eating his meals from activity feeders and playing with toys.
He absolutely loves fuss from those he knows and trusts, so is sure to be a loving and loyal companion.
Katy added: ‘Bandit had sore skin when he arrived in our care and we believe he has a flea allergy which may flare up again in the future so he will require regular flea treatment from the vets.’
Could you turn Bandit’s life around and provide him with a caring home?
Rocco the sweet Staffie has proved that, yes, old dogs can learn new tricks.
The seven-year-old canine learnt sign language from rescue staff, after losing his hearing to an ear infection.
He was taught this impressive skill at the RSCPA’s Llys Nini Animal Centre in Penllergaer, near Swansea, south Wales.
The clever boy can already understand signed commands like ‘sit,’ ‘down’ and ‘stay’.
Kennel team leader Sally Humphries said: ‘As a result of an ear infection, he’s now completely deaf, so we’ve spent the last few months teaching him special sign language which he’s really taken to.
‘He reads our hand signals and body language as a way of telling what we’re asking for. For example, thumbs up means “good boy.”
‘Most dogs are more in tune with our body language than our constant chitter-chatter, so it’s not that tricky for a deaf dog to learn.
‘It’s all about consistency and making sure you choose a simple sign for each behaviour that you are trying to teach, so it’s as clear as possible for them to understand.’
Rocco first came to the shelter in February 2020, due to concerns over his welfare – based on the fact that he was underweight.
‘Proof that you can definitely teach an old dog new tricks’ (Picture: RSPCA/TNG)
He then found a home, but sadly returned to the shelter last July after one of his new owners passed away.
‘His new owners were really lovely and Rocco took to them straight away,’ said Sally.
‘I remember laughing at the fact he didn’t want to come and say goodbye to me when I dropped him off – he stayed by their side like he’d known them all his life.
‘We were incredibly sad when we found out what had happened and poor Rocco then came back into our care.’
Sally says the little guy is ‘a wonderful example of just how resilient animals can be and proof that you can definitely teach an old dog new tricks.’
She adds: ‘It’s the first time I’ve trained a deaf dog and I still speak to Rocco as I sign – even though he can’t hear a word.
‘We all think the world of him and want nothing more than to find him a lovely home with people who are willing to carry on his training and where he’ll feel safe and secure for the rest of his life.’
Poor Lacie needed months to recover (Picture: RSPCA)
RSPCA animal rescue officer Ali Sparkes was off duty when a neighbour reported seeing Lacie abandoned back in March 2021.
The poor dog was found tied up and alone in a hedgerow close to Ali’s Somerset home.
She was freezing cold, emaciated, and had sores and cuts all over her head and body.
Ali said: ‘She was so frightened she wouldn’t come out or even look at me, and she was really shivering. I took her to the vet who noticed a lump on her head, caused by a blunt object.
‘She had cuts on her ears and a larger healing wound on her back. She was also severely underweight and had pressure sores from sleeping with no bedding.’
The lurcher needed months to recover physically and mentally from the state she was in when the charity took her in.
Now, after plenty of care and a good diet, Lacie’s finally ready to move on to the next stage of her life.
Lacie when she was found (Picture: RSPCA)
‘She was so frightened she wouldn’t come out or even look at me (Picture: RSPCA)
‘It’s amazing to see her looking so happy and healthy thanks to the hard work of the team at RSPCA West Hatch,’ Ali said. ‘It’ll be fantastic when her recovery journey is completed by finding a loving home.’
RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre deputy manager Anita Clark said Lacie’s true colours are finally showing after all the trauma she’s endured.
She said: ‘It has taken many months, but her coat has now grown back, her sores have healed, and her personality has begun to shine through. Lacie now cannot wait to find her forever home where she has a sofa to call her own.
‘Lacie is full of life and very playful despite everything she has been through. She travels well in the car, and will either look out of the window or lie down. She is looking for patient, understanding adopters to carry on the training and socialisation we have started at the centre.
Lacie’s looking and feeling much better now (Picture: RSPCA)
‘She would also like the company of someone who is at home most of the time to house train her and teach that it is okay to be left for short periods.’
The RSPCA team says Lacie is fine to live with older teenagers and ‘calm sociable dogs’, but not cats or small animals owing to her high prey drive.
They say potential adopters for Lacie must also live within a reasonable distance of the centre in Taunton, Somerset, as she will need to meet her new family several times to get to know them.
For more information about Lacie and how to adopt her, you can check out her rehoming page.
Anita added: ‘If Lacie isn’t the right dog for you but you think you could take in one of the wonderful rescue animals currently looking for a new home, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet.
‘There are many animals just like Lacie who have been given the TLC they desperately needed and are now waiting patiently to find their new family.’
A pair of super senior moggies with a combined age of nearly 40 are seeking a new retirement home (Picture: RSPCA)
Now both 19-years-old, cats Barbara and Bernard have lived together since they were born.
The pair have an inseparable bond, and are looking for somewhere friendly and comfortable to spend their twilight years.
The siblings are being cared for at the RSPCA’s Worcester and Mid Worcestershire branch after their previous owner’s living circumstances sadly changed, meaning they could no longer keep them.
Despite being in good shape despite their age, at around 92 years old in human years, the change of scenery has left Barbara and Bernard a little shook up and have been spending their time in the cattery snuggling with each other for comfort.
That’s why the RSPCA has put out a special appeal to get the pair into their forever home.
With no health concerns, the charity hopes the siblings can be taken into an adult-only home, or by a family with older secondary school-age children.
Barbara is the more confident of the two (Picture: RSPCA)
Even though they were the only pets in their previous household, they may be able to live with another older cat or dog, and this is something that potential adopters can discuss with the RSPCA, the charity said.
Claire Wood, from the Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch, said: ‘Barbara and Bernard are very gentle cats and despite their incredible age, they are in remarkably good health.
‘They were much-loved pets and had been with their previous owner since they were kittens, so to suddenly find themselves in a cattery at this stage in their life has come as a huge shock to them.
‘Barbara is the slightly more confident of the two and does enjoy a fuss but we feel that once they are back in a home environment they will soon overcome their shyness.’
Barbara and Bernard have been snuggling together for comfort since being brought to the cattery (RSPCA)
Older cats are much less likely to get adopted than their younger counterparts, but after living with the same owner for nearly two decades, the senior cats need to spend their final years feeling loved and cared for.
Wood added: ‘We always promise to find every cat that comes into our care a new home, however long it takes, but sadly the older ones often have to wait a lot longer than their younger counterparts as many people will often opt for kittens and younger cats.
‘We urgently need to find these wonderful golden oldies a lovely new retirement home where they can enjoy their twilight years together in comfort.’
Sarah Moulds, 37, is accused of causing ‘unnecessary suffering’ to a pony called Bruce (Pictures: @CottesmoreHunt rider)
A primary school teacher who was sacked after allegedly ‘punching and kicking’ a horse has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty by the RSPCA.
Public outrage was sparked when footage emerged showing a woman repeatedly slapping the animal.
It had run into the road during a Cottesmore Hunt – one of Britain’s oldest foxhound packs – event in Lincolnshire on November 6.
Now, the RSPCA has accused Sarah Moulds, 37, of two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 against a grey pony named Bruce.
It’s alleged Moulds caused ‘unnecessary suffering’ to Bruce by ‘kicking and hitting’ him.
She also did not take reasonable steps to ‘protect the animal from pain, suffering, injury or disease’, it’s claimed.
Footage of the alleged incident went viral last year (Picture:@CottesmoreHunt rider)
The RSPCA has described the video as ‘upsetting’ (Picture:@CottesmoreHunt rider)
Moulds allegedly did not take reasonable steps to ‘protect the animal from pain, suffering, injury or disease’
Millions have viewed the ‘upsetting’ video which was investigated after anti-hunting activists, the Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs, posted it to Twitter.
Moulds was fired from her post at the Mowbray Education Trust in Leicestershire, last month.
She has also been removed from a voluntary position at her local branch at the pony club.
Meanwhile, the Cottesmore Hunt said a ‘thorough internal investigation’ had meant a ‘follower will not participate in trail hunting’ with them.
Moulds is due to appear in Boston Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
RSPCA say the traps pose a danger to pets and wildlife (Picture: RSPCA)
The RSPCA is urging people not to set glue traps after a robin died shortly after being prised from one.
The bird was found stuck to a board near Buckfastleigh, Devon and was taken to a specialist wildlife centre by an RSPCA officer.
Staff did everything they could to remove the glue from its feathers, legs and beak although they were unable to save the animal.
Glue traps – which are legal in the UK – consist of a sheet of cardboard, plastic or wood coated with non-drying adhesive and are usually used to catch rodents.
Animals get stuck to the board by their feet but in attempts to free themselves other parts of their body may get stuck too. Often their efforts lead to broken bones, ripped patched in fur and gnawed limbs.
‘Glue traps may seem like an effective way to catch rodents without killing them, but they come with very serious welfare issues and subject those animals unfortunate enough to get caught to horrific suffering,’ its head of wild animal science and policy, Adam Grogan, said.
‘Even the way they’re designed to catch animals – by sticking their limbs to the board as they cross it – inflicts pain and distress.’
A bill to make certain uses of glue traps an offence is passing through Parliament (Picture: RSPCA)
The robin had been taken to a specialist wildlife centre (Picture: RSPCA)
The charity received 236 calls to its cruelty line between 2016 and 2020 relating to glue trap incidents involving animals including cats, birds and hedgehogs.
Less than 27% incidents the RSPCA has been called out to involve rodents, whilst 73% of incidents involve animals that were not the target.
Although legal, a private members’ bill – The Glue Traps (Offences) Bill – is progressing through Parliament and aims to make certain uses of glue traps an offence.
Whilst anyone can purchase and use the boards currently, any animal caught using them is protected under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which prohibits suffering through inappropriate or poor use of the traps.
What are the alternatives for glue traps?
The RSPCA suggests humane deterrence and prevention is always better than using any sort of trap.
If necessary, it recommends good quality, conventional break back traps – but these require care in using properly.
‘If a kill trap is used and the animal is still alive when found, then this creates more of a problem,’ the charity warns.
‘Certain kill traps are very effective at killing quickly and therefore could be considered humane, but not all traps are effective in what they do.
‘It is therefore very important to look for well built traps that will work properly.’
Rodenticide poison is often seen as a quick fix but comes with serious welfare issues, the RSPCA says.
As well as being slow-acting prolonging the suffering rodent, it can also pose a potential risk of secondary poisoning impacting other animals that eat it.
Live-catch traps may appeal to those who want to avoid killing mice and rats but it’s not unusual for them to die within them.
For example, small-sized live-catch traps would see the rodent’s breath cause condensation within the trap. The moisture can wet their fur making them very cold and lead to hypothermia.
This risk of this may be reduced if the trap has a large holding compartment and the traps are inspected frequently.
The RSPCA advises anyone considering any method to turn to a reputable pest control agency.
The dogs were dumped in December and have since been taken into the care of the RSPCA (Picture: RSPCA / SWNS)
Heartbreaking CCTV footage shows the moment a callous van driver dumped seven dogs in the street before driving off.
The helpless animals were abandoned in Coventry on December 30.
They are thought to have come from a puppy farm, leading the RSPCA to launch a hunt for the driver.
The driver can be seen in the footage pulling onto the pavement in Yewdale Crescent at around 2.30pm and opening the back door of the van.
They then grab the confused animals and pull them out onto the road before slamming the door shut.
Some of the confused dogs try to dash back into the van as the person quickly shuffles into the driver’s seat before abandoning the panicking animals in the road.
A horrified resident who watched as the incident unfolded contacted the police who managed to capture the animals.
All seven dogs were taken into the care of the RSPCA, where vets found them to be poor condition, with matted coats and skin conditions.
Some of the dogs had been microchipped but their details had not been registered.
Now, the RSPCA is appealing for help to track down whoever dumped them.
RSPCA inspector Vicki Taylor said: ‘The footage is really shocking. To see the poor dogs in such obvious confusion and distress as the van pulls away is heartbreaking.
‘Thankfully, a member of the public spotted what had happened and contacted the police who were able to capture the dogs and bring them to our animal hospital where they are now getting the care they need.
The dogs were in terrible condition and the RSPCA thinks they may have come from a puppy farm (Picture: RSPCA / SWNS)
‘The dogs are a mix of different breeds, including spaniels and terriers.
‘We suspect they have been used for breeding because of the condition they are in.
‘All smelt of faeces and urine and most have skin issues. One Yorkie type dog was severely matted.’
Since being taken in the care of the RSPCA the dogs have been named Bertha, Nelly, Tilly, Dottie, Molly, Bob and Ginger.
Anyone who recognises the vehicle, the dogs, or the person in the footage is asked to contact inspector Taylor via the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
Sarah Moulds, 37, was charged with two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 against a grey pony named Bruce Almighty (Pictures: PA/ Twitter)
A former primary school teacher accused of physically abusing a horse during one of Britain’s longest-established foxhunts has indicated she will plead not guilty to cruelty charges.
Sarah Moulds appeared at Boston Magistrates’ Court today facing two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 against a grey pony named Bruce Almighty.
During the Cottesmore Hunt in the Lincolnshire countryside on November 6, the 37-year-old was filmed apparently kicking and slapping the animal after it ran on the road.
The distressing footage was investigated by the RSPCA after anti-hunting activists from the Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs posted it on Twitter, sparking widespread outrage.
The charity described it as ‘really upsetting’ and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Sarah Moulds arrived at the Boston Courthouse, Lincolnshire, where she has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty by the RSPCA (Picture: PA)
The former primary school teacher was allegedly filmed kicking and slapping a horse during a hunt last November (Picture: PA)
Since then, the clip has been viewed by millions and among those who shared it were comedy actor and animal rights campaigner Ricky Gervais, and TV presenter and author Chris Packham.
Prior to the incident, Moulds worked as a teacher at the Mowbray Education Trust in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, but was sacked shortly after.
She was also removed from a voluntary position at her local branch at the pony club.
During the 10-minute hearing, Moulds spoke only to confirm her name, address, date of birth and her indicated not guilty pleas.
Granting her unconditional bail, chair of the bench of magistrates Helen Brown said: ‘Ms Moulds, you have elected to go for trial at the crown court.
‘That will be for a pre-trial and preparation hearing. In the meantime, you are granted unconditional bail.’
Moulds, of Somerby, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, will appear at Lincoln Crown Court for a plea hearing on February 28.
Hattie has been at the kennels now for around 18 months (Picture: RSPCA)
The RSPCA is appealing for a home for this rescue pup, dubbed ‘London’s loneliest dog’ after spending 500 days in kennels.
Two-year-old cocker spaniel Hattie was brought to RSPCA’s Southridge Animal Centre in Potters Bar after he owners struggled to deal with aspects of her behaviour.
Since arriving in August 2020, she’s now the resident who’s spent the longest at the rescue centre, which staff believe is due to her high energy levels.
Cathie Ward, an Animal Care Assistant at Southridge, told MyLondon: ‘She’s an absolutely beautiful girl, and unfortunately we have struggled to find her a home because of her additional needs.’
As a working dog, Hattie needs a lot of mental stimulation and exercise, and her new owner would ideally have experience with similar breeds and lead an active lifestyle.
‘She does get frustrated quite easily – she’s very active,’ added Cathie.
‘She does like being around people, but it takes her some time to actually get to know you. You can’t do too much too soon with her.
‘It’s just finding that experienced home with someone who’s willing to actually work with her.’
She’s looking for an owner with as much energy as her (Picture: RSPCA)
It’s hoped that Hattie’s forever home will have a secure garden and be in a rural or semi-rural location so she can safely run around. If you can offer her a place to swim, even better.
She also cannot live with other pets or children, and should be taken to training classes to continue the behavioural work that she’s already done.
Although it may seem like a lot to ask, putting in the effort with Hattie will pay off for the right person.
Cathie continued: ‘Once she knows people, she does calm down a lot – she’s lovely and very cuddly, but it does take a while for her to get to that stage and to trust you.’
After 18 months of rejection, could you be the one to inspire that trust in Hattie?
