Owners of fashionable pedigree pooches are unaware their "handbag dogs" could be "born to suffer", the RSPCA has said.
Research by the animal charity revealed many people believe pedigree dogs and puppies are healthy, quality animals that come from good breeding stock.
However, the dogs, which are primarily bred for their looks, are vulnerable to unnecessary disease, disability, pain or behavioural problems.
RSPCA senior scientist Claire Calder said: "Everyone needs to be aware of the serious health and welfare problems affecting pedigree dogs and that dogs bred for looks are born to suffer.
"A cute-looking puppy or dog can be hard to resist, but the result of not looking beyond this can be thousands of pounds spent on vets' bills and a pet with long-lasting health and welfare problems. This is one of the biggest challenges facing dog welfare in the UK today."
A survey commissioned by the charity found dog buyers are not doing enough research before getting a new pet.
Pollsters asked 2,127 people what they associate with pure-breed or pedigree dogs. The top six responses were that they are expensive, well bred, from good breeding stock, quality, responsibly bred and healthy
Victoria Stilwell, presenter and dog trainer from the TV show It's Me Or The Dog, said: "I have nothing against dog showing and nothing against responsible breeders.
"But what I do have something against is breeding animals just for the way we want them to look, even though that animal is compromised both physically and, a lot of the time, mentally. So we have to change. Why are we destroying these animals just because we like the way they look?"
The RSPCA is launching a campaign, Bred For Looks, Born To Suffer, in order to raise awareness of the issue.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gLsQ-GVxBbF7rG6T-VhHyqt3MJzw?docId=N0518091324207602435A
Showing posts with label RSPCA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RSPCA. Show all posts
Monday, December 19, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Injured cat 'does a Lassie' to lead RSPCA to her newborn kittens
A cunning cat who was thrown out of a moving car led her RSPCA rescuer to her newborn kittens to save their lives, in a scene evoking memories of the TV adventures of Lassie the dog.
The pregnant cat, named Jolie by vets, was seen being cruelly dumped in the town of March, Cambridgeshire.
When the RSPCA found her, she was taken in to be treated for her injuries but had to be returned to the scene because it was clear she'd just had kittens, who had no chance of survival if left to fend
for themselves.
After being left back where she was found, the clever cat meowed loudly until the RSPCA officer began to follow her across a field.
'When she started to get really vocal at first I thought she was calling to the kittens, but then it became clear that she was actually calling to me,' Inspector Knight told Ely Weekly News.
'I began to follow her and she took me through the rear garden, across a ploughed field and into a farm yard. All the time she was calling me and waiting for me to follow.
'She then took me into an old farm machinery barn and led me to behind a stack of old wood and there were her four kittens.'
Inspector Knight said there was no way he would have found the kittens, who still had their eyes closed, by himself because they were so far away from where their mother was found.
The tiny kittens, who were badly dehydrated, are now at the RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre, where they will stay until they are all fit and healthy and ready to be rehomed.
.
http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/877810-injured-cat-does-a-lassie-to-lead-rspca-to-her-newborn-kittens
The pregnant cat, named Jolie by vets, was seen being cruelly dumped in the town of March, Cambridgeshire.
When the RSPCA found her, she was taken in to be treated for her injuries but had to be returned to the scene because it was clear she'd just had kittens, who had no chance of survival if left to fend
for themselves.
After being left back where she was found, the clever cat meowed loudly until the RSPCA officer began to follow her across a field.
'When she started to get really vocal at first I thought she was calling to the kittens, but then it became clear that she was actually calling to me,' Inspector Knight told Ely Weekly News.
'I began to follow her and she took me through the rear garden, across a ploughed field and into a farm yard. All the time she was calling me and waiting for me to follow.
'She then took me into an old farm machinery barn and led me to behind a stack of old wood and there were her four kittens.'
Inspector Knight said there was no way he would have found the kittens, who still had their eyes closed, by himself because they were so far away from where their mother was found.
The tiny kittens, who were badly dehydrated, are now at the RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre, where they will stay until they are all fit and healthy and ready to be rehomed.
.
http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/877810-injured-cat-does-a-lassie-to-lead-rspca-to-her-newborn-kittens
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Migrating birds rescued at Newgale after high winds
Hundreds of seabirds were left stranded on the coast after being blown off course as high winds and heavy rain cause disruption in parts of Wales.
The RSPCA rescued the Manx shearwaters, which were migrating to Argentina from their burrows on Skomer island off Pembrokeshire.
More than 400 ended up on cliffs and in the surf at Newgale in Pembrokeshire.
The charity said it was the biggest bird rescue in the area since the Sea Empress oil spill in 1996.
The birds - which usually fly off after dropping from island cliffs - were struggling to take off and were getting caught in rough sea.
Keith Hogben, an RSPCA inspector, said he found around 200 Manx shearwaters on the beach at Newgale on Tuesday morning.
"At this time of year, Manx shearwater nesting in burrows come out and go out to sea but unfortunately with all this stormy weather, a lot have been blown back into the cliffs and into the surf," said Mr Hogben.
"Some were on the beach, along with some gannets. We've rescued as many as we can.
"They're designed for swimming and flying, not built for taking off from land. They fall off the cliffs and fly away."
He said he hoped 70% would recover enough to migrate.
Of the 491 Manx shearwaters picked up by the RSPCA, 388 have been saved.
Officers sent 237 of the rescued birds to West Hatch animal centre in Taunton, Somerset, with another 151 set to be transported there on Wednesday.
"Unfortunately we had to euthanise 100 Manx shearwaters due to injuries or low weight, one fulmar and two gannets, which we euthanised at the beach," said Mr Hogben.
"That means so far we have around a 70 to 80% survival, which is really good because rescued wildlife often don't make it - they were very waterlogged, but quite alert and active."
Staff at the West Hatch centre are hopeful that most of the birds will survive.
Peter Venn, the centre's manager, said it had a reputation for dealing with large numbers of seabirds, and after the sinking of the MV Napoli in 2007, for example, it took in 1,000 oiled birds.
West Hatch is known for its expertise that goes back as long ago as the Torrey Canyon tanker disaster in 1967.
Mr Venn said he was anticipating about 300 birds, who will be washed, weighed and cared for until they are released in a few days.
Meanwhile, the RSPCA appealed for the public to notify them of any more distressed birds they came across, saying they were at risk from predators, the weather, shock and hypothermia.
"Juveniles may even be found further afield in Carmarthenshire and Fishguard in northern Pembrokeshire," said Mr Hogben.
"If you live in the area and do come across them, the best way to capture them without encountering their sharp beak is to throw something like a towel over them and then carefully put them in a box."
The number to call is the RSPCA's 24-hour helpline on 0300 1234 999.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-14790237
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Government backs cull of badgers
The Government has announced controversial plans to introduce a major badger cull in England to tackle TB in cattle.
The RSPCA said it was a "black day for badgers", claiming the scientific case to support the mass slaughter of the animals had not been made.
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman acknowledged there was "great strength of feeling" about the issue but told the Commons: "I believe this is the right way forward." More consultation will be carried out before any mass cull is allowed but the Government plans to carry out a pilot in two areas.
The Secretary of State said badger control licences would be issued by Natural England under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 to enable groups of farmers and landowners to reduce badger populations at their own expense.
If controlled shooting was found to be effective and humane, the policy could be introduced throughout England. Scotland and Wales set their own policy as disease control is a devolved issue.
Mrs Spelman hoped that her announcement would send a clear message to the farming industry, saying: "If culling is ultimately authorised, we will look to the farmers involved to show that they take their responsibility very seriously, and that they are committed to delivering culling effectively and humanely."
David Bowles, director of communications for the RSPCA, said: "This is a black day for badgers - a day we have been dreading. At a time when the Welsh Government has stepped back from a cull, the Government in England is slowly shredding its own animal welfare credentials."
The RSPCA said vaccination of badgers, increased levels of testing, improved biosecurity and stricter controls on the movement of cattle were more effective ways of eradicating bovine TB in cattle for good.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said nearly 25,000 cattle were slaughtered in England last year because of bovine TB, which cost the country £90 million.
The problem is particularly bad in west and south-west England, where 23% of cattle farms were unable to move stock off their premises at some point in 2010 due to being affected by the disease.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/badger-cull-combat-bovine-tb-030634161.html
The RSPCA said it was a "black day for badgers", claiming the scientific case to support the mass slaughter of the animals had not been made.
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman acknowledged there was "great strength of feeling" about the issue but told the Commons: "I believe this is the right way forward." More consultation will be carried out before any mass cull is allowed but the Government plans to carry out a pilot in two areas.
The Secretary of State said badger control licences would be issued by Natural England under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 to enable groups of farmers and landowners to reduce badger populations at their own expense.
If controlled shooting was found to be effective and humane, the policy could be introduced throughout England. Scotland and Wales set their own policy as disease control is a devolved issue.
Mrs Spelman hoped that her announcement would send a clear message to the farming industry, saying: "If culling is ultimately authorised, we will look to the farmers involved to show that they take their responsibility very seriously, and that they are committed to delivering culling effectively and humanely."
David Bowles, director of communications for the RSPCA, said: "This is a black day for badgers - a day we have been dreading. At a time when the Welsh Government has stepped back from a cull, the Government in England is slowly shredding its own animal welfare credentials."
The RSPCA said vaccination of badgers, increased levels of testing, improved biosecurity and stricter controls on the movement of cattle were more effective ways of eradicating bovine TB in cattle for good.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said nearly 25,000 cattle were slaughtered in England last year because of bovine TB, which cost the country £90 million.
The problem is particularly bad in west and south-west England, where 23% of cattle farms were unable to move stock off their premises at some point in 2010 due to being affected by the disease.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/badger-cull-combat-bovine-tb-030634161.html
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Box containing 47 baby bats found dumped in Wiltshire
Forty seven baby and two adult pipistrelle bats have been found dumped in a box in Wiltshire, the RSPCA said.
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The 47 baby pipistrelle bats are being hand-reared round the clock by a team of "bat workers"
The protected bats were discovered in a box at the side of a polo pitch at Perham Down near Tidworth on Wednesday.
Two females bats, one with a fractured wing, and 47 babies were taken to the Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital.
An RSPCA spokesman said he had never heard of bats being "removed and dumped in this way".
Marilyn Korkis from the Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital said it was one of the "most distressing sights" she had ever seen.
"They were all crawling over each other in the box, with baby bats clinging to other babies," she said.
"It's just wicked. Usually a mother will have just one baby, so 47 mothers will have flown out of the roost and come back to find all their babies gone."
'Declining species'
The baby bats, some "no bigger than a thumbnail", were all infested with mites and suffering from dehydration.
The orphan pipistrelles are currently being hand-reared, round the clock, by a team of six "bat workers".
Mrs Korkis said she was hopeful that they now have "a chance to go on and be released back out".
Pipistrelles often roost inside buildings but it is a criminal offence to intentionally kill, injure or handle a bat or damage, obstruct or destroy any place used by bats for shelter.
Anyone found guilty can be fined up to £5,000 per bat.
RSPCA Inspector Will Hendry said: "If there were 49 in the box goodness knows how many bats would be in the roost.
"Bats are a declining species and it is totally illegal to disturb them and we would urge anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to call the RSPCA."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-14088144
The protected bats were discovered in a box at the side of a polo pitch at Perham Down near Tidworth on Wednesday.
Two females bats, one with a fractured wing, and 47 babies were taken to the Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital.
An RSPCA spokesman said he had never heard of bats being "removed and dumped in this way".
Marilyn Korkis from the Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital said it was one of the "most distressing sights" she had ever seen.
"They were all crawling over each other in the box, with baby bats clinging to other babies," she said.
"It's just wicked. Usually a mother will have just one baby, so 47 mothers will have flown out of the roost and come back to find all their babies gone."
'Declining species'
The baby bats, some "no bigger than a thumbnail", were all infested with mites and suffering from dehydration.
The orphan pipistrelles are currently being hand-reared, round the clock, by a team of six "bat workers".
Mrs Korkis said she was hopeful that they now have "a chance to go on and be released back out".
Pipistrelles often roost inside buildings but it is a criminal offence to intentionally kill, injure or handle a bat or damage, obstruct or destroy any place used by bats for shelter.
Anyone found guilty can be fined up to £5,000 per bat.
RSPCA Inspector Will Hendry said: "If there were 49 in the box goodness knows how many bats would be in the roost.
"Bats are a declining species and it is totally illegal to disturb them and we would urge anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to call the RSPCA."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-14088144
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Last chance to protest against badger cull
Chris Packham joins the RSPCA in urging action
July 2011: The RSPCA is urging action before an imminent decision about a badger cull in England. It is believed that the government will announce plans to license the shooting of badgers in the next couple of weeks.
The society is firmly opposed to any plans for a widespread cull, and believes now maybe the last chance for those who agree to voice their views.
Springwatch presenter Chris Packham, who recently became an RSPCA Vice President, has added his voice to this campaign, saying that now might be the last chance for people to tell the government what they think.
Severe welfare implications
As part of a consultation last year, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) put forward a proposal for a badger cull in parts of England as part of a package of measures to control bovine TB in cattle.
The plans, which could mean the eradication of 70 per cent of the badger population in large parts of the country, involved farmers and landowners being licensed to carry out and fund the cull themselves through a variety of methods including free-shooting.
The RSPCA is firmly opposed to proposals for a cull and has long battled against various proposals put forward, and previously dismissed, by different governments. It thinks these plans would be unlikely to work and could have severe welfare implications.
Quintessential part of our English countryside
The society is asking those who support this campaign to write to their MP as a matter of urgency and ask them to pass on a message to the Prime Minister to let him know how they feel.
‘A decision about whether badgers are to be culled is due imminently. There is no time to waste, now is the time for anyone who feels as strongly as I do on this subject to act,' says wildlife expert and life-long badger fan Chris Packham.
‘Badgers are fascinating creatures which I consider to be an quintessential part of our English countryside. Added to this their death would most likely be in vain as scientific studies suggest that culling them could increase the risk of transmission of bovine TB in cattle rather than reduce it.
‘I wholeheartedly support the RSPCA's opposition to this proposed badger cull. If you do too, please do all that you can to let the government know how you feel.'
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/badger-cull282.html#cr
July 2011: The RSPCA is urging action before an imminent decision about a badger cull in England. It is believed that the government will announce plans to license the shooting of badgers in the next couple of weeks.
The society is firmly opposed to any plans for a widespread cull, and believes now maybe the last chance for those who agree to voice their views.
Springwatch presenter Chris Packham, who recently became an RSPCA Vice President, has added his voice to this campaign, saying that now might be the last chance for people to tell the government what they think.
Severe welfare implications
As part of a consultation last year, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) put forward a proposal for a badger cull in parts of England as part of a package of measures to control bovine TB in cattle.
The plans, which could mean the eradication of 70 per cent of the badger population in large parts of the country, involved farmers and landowners being licensed to carry out and fund the cull themselves through a variety of methods including free-shooting.
The RSPCA is firmly opposed to proposals for a cull and has long battled against various proposals put forward, and previously dismissed, by different governments. It thinks these plans would be unlikely to work and could have severe welfare implications.
Quintessential part of our English countryside
The society is asking those who support this campaign to write to their MP as a matter of urgency and ask them to pass on a message to the Prime Minister to let him know how they feel.
‘A decision about whether badgers are to be culled is due imminently. There is no time to waste, now is the time for anyone who feels as strongly as I do on this subject to act,' says wildlife expert and life-long badger fan Chris Packham.
‘Badgers are fascinating creatures which I consider to be an quintessential part of our English countryside. Added to this their death would most likely be in vain as scientific studies suggest that culling them could increase the risk of transmission of bovine TB in cattle rather than reduce it.
‘I wholeheartedly support the RSPCA's opposition to this proposed badger cull. If you do too, please do all that you can to let the government know how you feel.'
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/badger-cull282.html#cr
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Bradford Council launches investigation after big cat sighting in Shipley
 |
| A sighting of a lynx has been reported in Shipley |
By Marc Meneaud
Bradford Council is investigating a reported sighting of a “three-foot lynx” cat near the River Aire in Shipley. A woman dog walker from Bingley spotted what she was convinced was a big cat dash out of woodland – chasing a deer – near Nab Wood.
Former RSPCA officer Pam Laking said the woman, who did not want to be named, had reported the sighting to vets and Bradford Council’s countryside service.
Bob Thorp, the Council’s trees and woodlands manager, said Lynx are not native to Britain, but it was “not impossible” that a lynx could have escaped from someone who had imported it as a pet.
Mrs Laking, who is chairman of the Friends of St Ives group in Bingley, said: “This woman was convinced that what she saw was a big cat. She was walking her dog by the river between Nab Wood and Hirst Wood and suddenly a deer shot out in front of a three-foot lynx.
“I can totally believe it. Everybody is ringing everybody else saying ‘be careful’ when they are walking their dogs.”
Mr Thorp said: “It is unlikely that a lynx cat is living in Hirst Wood as we have not had any other reported sightings, but then again it is not impossible as it could have escaped from someone who had imported it.
“The lynx is not native to Britain, so if it is a lynx – which has not been verified – it must have been brought in from outside the country.”
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/9040843._I_saw_lynx_run_from_woodland_/
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Man tries to board train with pony in Wrexham
A man has been captured on CCTV trying to board a train accompanied by a pony.
Shocked staff watched as the man tried to get on the train at Wrexham General station with the white pony in tow
After a conductor refused him entry, the man returned to the ticket booth where he tried to buy two tickets - for himself and the animal.
Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) said horses were not permitted on safety grounds. The RSPCA said it was concerned and was viewing the CCTV tapes.
The man tried to travel on Saturday's 1902 BST service to Holyhead on Anglesey with his four-legged companion.
The ATW spokeswoman said: "Arriva Trains Wales allows dogs and small animals to travel on-board trains.
"All animals, except dogs, must be conveyed within a fully enclosed basket or pet carrier with dimensions not exceeding 85 x 60 x 60cm.
'Politely asked to leave'
"Large animals, including horses and ponies, which may pose a risk to the general public are not permitted travel."
She said the man later left the station with the animal, adding: "I'm not aware that anything like this has happened before."
Meanwhile, it later emerged the man and pony turned up at the accident and emergency unit at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, asking for treatment for the animal from doctor.
A health board spokesman added: "He was politely asked to leave the premises by the Security Guard and duly left, taking the pony with him."
In a statement, the RSPCA said of the station incident it was "not a safe nor acceptable manner in which to transport an equine."
It added: "The pony could have been injured or could have caused injury to passengers.
"Horse owners require passports to move their animals and they should be housed in a safe and secure environment when transported.
"The RSPCA inspectorate are currently viewing the images which have been released to the media."
See video at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-13437279
(Submitted by Sherri Joyce)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Fox spends two days with watering can stuck on head
The RSPCA has rescued a fox which is believed to have had its head stuck in a watering can for two days.
Two officers from the animal charity were needed to help the creature remove its head, prising out its fur a bit at a time.
The alarm was raised after the fox was seen walking around a back garden in Solihull, near Birmingham, in a very distressed state.
Despite the fox's terrifying ordeal, which meant it had been deprived of food and water for two days, it was in surprisingly good health.
Officers immediately released the animal back into the wild but said the incident should serve as a warning about leaving items lying around.
RSPCA inspector Jonathan Ratcliffe: 'I have no doubt that he would have died if we had not managed to get the watering can off, either from dehydration or from not seeing where he was going and so being killed by a car.'
He added that it is likely the fox put his head in the watering can to get to a frog or a mouse sitting at the bottom.
'This only goes to remind people of the dangers such discarded items can pose to wildlife,' Mr Ratcliffe said.
Research previously conducted by the RSPB found that foxes visit 26 per cent of gardens at least once per month.
http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/844466-fox-spends-two-days-with-watering-can-stuck-on-head
Two officers from the animal charity were needed to help the creature remove its head, prising out its fur a bit at a time.
The alarm was raised after the fox was seen walking around a back garden in Solihull, near Birmingham, in a very distressed state.
Despite the fox's terrifying ordeal, which meant it had been deprived of food and water for two days, it was in surprisingly good health.
Officers immediately released the animal back into the wild but said the incident should serve as a warning about leaving items lying around.
RSPCA inspector Jonathan Ratcliffe: 'I have no doubt that he would have died if we had not managed to get the watering can off, either from dehydration or from not seeing where he was going and so being killed by a car.'
He added that it is likely the fox put his head in the watering can to get to a frog or a mouse sitting at the bottom.
'This only goes to remind people of the dangers such discarded items can pose to wildlife,' Mr Ratcliffe said.
Research previously conducted by the RSPB found that foxes visit 26 per cent of gardens at least once per month.
http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/844466-fox-spends-two-days-with-watering-can-stuck-on-head
Fox spends two days with watering can stuck on head
The RSPCA has rescued a fox which is believed to have had its head stuck in a watering can for two days.
Two officers from the animal charity were needed to help the creature remove its head, prising out its fur a bit at a time.
The alarm was raised after the fox was seen walking around a back garden in Solihull, near Birmingham, in a very distressed state.
Despite the fox's terrifying ordeal, which meant it had been deprived of food and water for two days, it was in surprisingly good health.
Officers immediately released the animal back into the wild but said the incident should serve as a warning about leaving items lying around.
RSPCA inspector Jonathan Ratcliffe: 'I have no doubt that he would have died if we had not managed to get the watering can off, either from dehydration or from not seeing where he was going and so being killed by a car.'
He added that it is likely the fox put his head in the watering can to get to a frog or a mouse sitting at the bottom.
'This only goes to remind people of the dangers such discarded items can pose to wildlife,' Mr Ratcliffe said.
Research previously conducted by the RSPB found that foxes visit 26 per cent of gardens at least once per month.
http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/844466-fox-spends-two-days-with-watering-can-stuck-on-head
Two officers from the animal charity were needed to help the creature remove its head, prising out its fur a bit at a time.
The alarm was raised after the fox was seen walking around a back garden in Solihull, near Birmingham, in a very distressed state.
Despite the fox's terrifying ordeal, which meant it had been deprived of food and water for two days, it was in surprisingly good health.
Officers immediately released the animal back into the wild but said the incident should serve as a warning about leaving items lying around.
RSPCA inspector Jonathan Ratcliffe: 'I have no doubt that he would have died if we had not managed to get the watering can off, either from dehydration or from not seeing where he was going and so being killed by a car.'
He added that it is likely the fox put his head in the watering can to get to a frog or a mouse sitting at the bottom.
'This only goes to remind people of the dangers such discarded items can pose to wildlife,' Mr Ratcliffe said.
Research previously conducted by the RSPB found that foxes visit 26 per cent of gardens at least once per month.
http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/844466-fox-spends-two-days-with-watering-can-stuck-on-head
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Horse Cachet stabbed, scalped in fatal attack at Epping
By Wayne Flower
From: Herald Sun
October 08, 2010
THE sickening stabbing and mutilation of a former champion show horse in Melbourne is one of the worst cases of animal cruelty, an RSPCA inspector says.
RSPCA senior inspector Daniel Bode today said the knife attack on 15-year-old dressage champion Cachet in an agistment paddock was "absolutely shocking".
"It's one of the worst cases I've seen," Mr Bode said today.
Mr Bode said the maximum penalty for aggravated animal cruelty in Victoria was two years imprisonment or a $24,000 fine.
"We'll be doing everything in our power to make sure that whoever has done this sort of cruelty is not allowed to do it again," he said.
Cachet's owner Michelle Azzopardi collapsed when she saw her beloved mare lying dead, covered with flies last Sunday in Epping.
"I was numb, in disbelief," she said, trying to hold back tears.
"My heart is broken. I haven't slept, I haven't eaten and not moved outside the house."
She said the image of Cachet dead and covered in blood keeps haunting her.
The senseless killing has been devastating for her and her family.
Willy, another family horse sharing the paddock with Cachet, is fretting for her friend and hasn't eaten all week.
Ms Azzopardi said Cachet must have been targeted.
Her paddock is off the road, away from other horses, and whoever did it would have had to walk up a long laneway to reach her, she said.
But the other mystery is Cachet is wary of strangers.
Ms Azzopardi said the mare would have run away or reared at an approaching stranger.
She said it must have been two or more attackers because the horse would have been too strong for one person to subdue.
"She had been stabbed three times at least and her neck had been scalped," Ms Azzopardi said.
"They cut her mane and cut at least two inches into her flesh down her neck.
"They have to be mentally sick for someone to do this to an innocent horse.
"She was beautiful, cheeky, she would run around the paddock and try to bite me, playing.
"If I took too long to feed her she would stamp her feet at me."
Ms Azzopardi last saw Cachet alive last Friday.
Police are appealing for anyone with any information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
http://www.news.com.au/national/horse-cachet-stabbed-scalped-in-fatal-attack-at-epping/story-e6frfkvr-1225935756449#ixzz11yQ6szHT
From: Herald Sun
October 08, 2010
THE sickening stabbing and mutilation of a former champion show horse in Melbourne is one of the worst cases of animal cruelty, an RSPCA inspector says.
RSPCA senior inspector Daniel Bode today said the knife attack on 15-year-old dressage champion Cachet in an agistment paddock was "absolutely shocking".
"It's one of the worst cases I've seen," Mr Bode said today.
Mr Bode said the maximum penalty for aggravated animal cruelty in Victoria was two years imprisonment or a $24,000 fine.
"We'll be doing everything in our power to make sure that whoever has done this sort of cruelty is not allowed to do it again," he said.
Cachet's owner Michelle Azzopardi collapsed when she saw her beloved mare lying dead, covered with flies last Sunday in Epping.
"I was numb, in disbelief," she said, trying to hold back tears.
"My heart is broken. I haven't slept, I haven't eaten and not moved outside the house."
She said the image of Cachet dead and covered in blood keeps haunting her.
The senseless killing has been devastating for her and her family.
Willy, another family horse sharing the paddock with Cachet, is fretting for her friend and hasn't eaten all week.
Ms Azzopardi said Cachet must have been targeted.
Her paddock is off the road, away from other horses, and whoever did it would have had to walk up a long laneway to reach her, she said.
But the other mystery is Cachet is wary of strangers.
Ms Azzopardi said the mare would have run away or reared at an approaching stranger.
She said it must have been two or more attackers because the horse would have been too strong for one person to subdue.
"She had been stabbed three times at least and her neck had been scalped," Ms Azzopardi said.
"They cut her mane and cut at least two inches into her flesh down her neck.
"They have to be mentally sick for someone to do this to an innocent horse.
"She was beautiful, cheeky, she would run around the paddock and try to bite me, playing.
"If I took too long to feed her she would stamp her feet at me."
Ms Azzopardi last saw Cachet alive last Friday.
Police are appealing for anyone with any information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
http://www.news.com.au/national/horse-cachet-stabbed-scalped-in-fatal-attack-at-epping/story-e6frfkvr-1225935756449#ixzz11yQ6szHT
Horse Cachet stabbed, scalped in fatal attack at Epping
By Wayne Flower
From: Herald Sun
October 08, 2010
THE sickening stabbing and mutilation of a former champion show horse in Melbourne is one of the worst cases of animal cruelty, an RSPCA inspector says.
RSPCA senior inspector Daniel Bode today said the knife attack on 15-year-old dressage champion Cachet in an agistment paddock was "absolutely shocking".
"It's one of the worst cases I've seen," Mr Bode said today.
Mr Bode said the maximum penalty for aggravated animal cruelty in Victoria was two years imprisonment or a $24,000 fine.
"We'll be doing everything in our power to make sure that whoever has done this sort of cruelty is not allowed to do it again," he said.
Cachet's owner Michelle Azzopardi collapsed when she saw her beloved mare lying dead, covered with flies last Sunday in Epping.
"I was numb, in disbelief," she said, trying to hold back tears.
"My heart is broken. I haven't slept, I haven't eaten and not moved outside the house."
She said the image of Cachet dead and covered in blood keeps haunting her.
The senseless killing has been devastating for her and her family.
Willy, another family horse sharing the paddock with Cachet, is fretting for her friend and hasn't eaten all week.
Ms Azzopardi said Cachet must have been targeted.
Her paddock is off the road, away from other horses, and whoever did it would have had to walk up a long laneway to reach her, she said.
But the other mystery is Cachet is wary of strangers.
Ms Azzopardi said the mare would have run away or reared at an approaching stranger.
She said it must have been two or more attackers because the horse would have been too strong for one person to subdue.
"She had been stabbed three times at least and her neck had been scalped," Ms Azzopardi said.
"They cut her mane and cut at least two inches into her flesh down her neck.
"They have to be mentally sick for someone to do this to an innocent horse.
"She was beautiful, cheeky, she would run around the paddock and try to bite me, playing.
"If I took too long to feed her she would stamp her feet at me."
Ms Azzopardi last saw Cachet alive last Friday.
Police are appealing for anyone with any information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
http://www.news.com.au/national/horse-cachet-stabbed-scalped-in-fatal-attack-at-epping/story-e6frfkvr-1225935756449#ixzz11yQ6szHT
From: Herald Sun
October 08, 2010
THE sickening stabbing and mutilation of a former champion show horse in Melbourne is one of the worst cases of animal cruelty, an RSPCA inspector says.
RSPCA senior inspector Daniel Bode today said the knife attack on 15-year-old dressage champion Cachet in an agistment paddock was "absolutely shocking".
"It's one of the worst cases I've seen," Mr Bode said today.
Mr Bode said the maximum penalty for aggravated animal cruelty in Victoria was two years imprisonment or a $24,000 fine.
"We'll be doing everything in our power to make sure that whoever has done this sort of cruelty is not allowed to do it again," he said.
Cachet's owner Michelle Azzopardi collapsed when she saw her beloved mare lying dead, covered with flies last Sunday in Epping.
"I was numb, in disbelief," she said, trying to hold back tears.
"My heart is broken. I haven't slept, I haven't eaten and not moved outside the house."
She said the image of Cachet dead and covered in blood keeps haunting her.
The senseless killing has been devastating for her and her family.
Willy, another family horse sharing the paddock with Cachet, is fretting for her friend and hasn't eaten all week.
Ms Azzopardi said Cachet must have been targeted.
Her paddock is off the road, away from other horses, and whoever did it would have had to walk up a long laneway to reach her, she said.
But the other mystery is Cachet is wary of strangers.
Ms Azzopardi said the mare would have run away or reared at an approaching stranger.
She said it must have been two or more attackers because the horse would have been too strong for one person to subdue.
"She had been stabbed three times at least and her neck had been scalped," Ms Azzopardi said.
"They cut her mane and cut at least two inches into her flesh down her neck.
"They have to be mentally sick for someone to do this to an innocent horse.
"She was beautiful, cheeky, she would run around the paddock and try to bite me, playing.
"If I took too long to feed her she would stamp her feet at me."
Ms Azzopardi last saw Cachet alive last Friday.
Police are appealing for anyone with any information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
http://www.news.com.au/national/horse-cachet-stabbed-scalped-in-fatal-attack-at-epping/story-e6frfkvr-1225935756449#ixzz11yQ6szHT
Monday, October 4, 2010
Scorpions and tarantulas found in Preston alleyway
1 October 2010
Two scorpions and 15 baby tarantulas have been found abandoned in an alleyway in Preston, Lancashire.
A member of the public spotted them on Saturday and took them to the police who alerted the RSPCA.
The RSPCA has released details about the discovery to try to trace their owners.
"They had obviously been kept by someone who knew about spiders because some of them are quite unusual," animal welfare officer John Littlewood said.
"We are hoping that the owner will come forward," he added.
"People should not abandon dangerous exotics like this.
"Anyone who found them - including a young child - could still have been bitten, even though the spiders are very young."
'Lucky still alive'
The scorpions - an Asian forest and an emperor - are one cm in length.
Among the tarantulas was a sunburst, which is one of the most aggressive tarantulas.
They are all being cared for at the Bugworld Experience in Liverpool.
Curator Jenny Dobson said: "Most that we've managed to identify are not commonly kept tarantulas and would be very difficult to look after.
"It's not the kind of thing that should be dumped in a back street".
She said all the creatures were lucky to be alive in the cold weather.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-11457332
(Submitted by Dawn Holloway)
Two scorpions and 15 baby tarantulas have been found abandoned in an alleyway in Preston, Lancashire.
A member of the public spotted them on Saturday and took them to the police who alerted the RSPCA.
The RSPCA has released details about the discovery to try to trace their owners.
"They had obviously been kept by someone who knew about spiders because some of them are quite unusual," animal welfare officer John Littlewood said.
"We are hoping that the owner will come forward," he added.
"People should not abandon dangerous exotics like this.
"Anyone who found them - including a young child - could still have been bitten, even though the spiders are very young."
'Lucky still alive'
The scorpions - an Asian forest and an emperor - are one cm in length.
Among the tarantulas was a sunburst, which is one of the most aggressive tarantulas.
They are all being cared for at the Bugworld Experience in Liverpool.
Curator Jenny Dobson said: "Most that we've managed to identify are not commonly kept tarantulas and would be very difficult to look after.
"It's not the kind of thing that should be dumped in a back street".
She said all the creatures were lucky to be alive in the cold weather.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-11457332
(Submitted by Dawn Holloway)
Scorpions and tarantulas found in Preston alleyway
1 October 2010
Two scorpions and 15 baby tarantulas have been found abandoned in an alleyway in Preston, Lancashire.
A member of the public spotted them on Saturday and took them to the police who alerted the RSPCA.
The RSPCA has released details about the discovery to try to trace their owners.
"They had obviously been kept by someone who knew about spiders because some of them are quite unusual," animal welfare officer John Littlewood said.
"We are hoping that the owner will come forward," he added.
"People should not abandon dangerous exotics like this.
"Anyone who found them - including a young child - could still have been bitten, even though the spiders are very young."
'Lucky still alive'
The scorpions - an Asian forest and an emperor - are one cm in length.
Among the tarantulas was a sunburst, which is one of the most aggressive tarantulas.
They are all being cared for at the Bugworld Experience in Liverpool.
Curator Jenny Dobson said: "Most that we've managed to identify are not commonly kept tarantulas and would be very difficult to look after.
"It's not the kind of thing that should be dumped in a back street".
She said all the creatures were lucky to be alive in the cold weather.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-11457332
(Submitted by Dawn Holloway)
Two scorpions and 15 baby tarantulas have been found abandoned in an alleyway in Preston, Lancashire.
A member of the public spotted them on Saturday and took them to the police who alerted the RSPCA.
The RSPCA has released details about the discovery to try to trace their owners.
"They had obviously been kept by someone who knew about spiders because some of them are quite unusual," animal welfare officer John Littlewood said.
"We are hoping that the owner will come forward," he added.
"People should not abandon dangerous exotics like this.
"Anyone who found them - including a young child - could still have been bitten, even though the spiders are very young."
'Lucky still alive'
The scorpions - an Asian forest and an emperor - are one cm in length.
Among the tarantulas was a sunburst, which is one of the most aggressive tarantulas.
They are all being cared for at the Bugworld Experience in Liverpool.
Curator Jenny Dobson said: "Most that we've managed to identify are not commonly kept tarantulas and would be very difficult to look after.
"It's not the kind of thing that should be dumped in a back street".
She said all the creatures were lucky to be alive in the cold weather.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-11457332
(Submitted by Dawn Holloway)
Saturday, September 25, 2010
'Sick prank' leaves cat dyed pink in Swindon
The RSPCA have criticised a "sick prank" in which a cat had its fur dyed pink and was then thrown over a garden fence in Swindon.
Officers are looking for the owner of the cat, which was found by a man in his garden in Wesley Street on 18 September.
The two-year-old, who has been named Pink, is said to be in good health.
However, vets have not been able to wash the dye out of her fur and she will have to wait for it to grow out.
It is thought the naturally white domestic short-haired cat is either a stray or has been abandoned.
This is because the fur around her neck has a pattern which suggests she has been wearing a collar fairly recently.
But the RSPCA said she could be someone's missing pet who was the victim of a prank.
Veterinary surgeon Penny Gillespie, who is caring for Pink at Cheldene Veterinary Centre and Boarding Cattery, said: "We have no idea what the dye is or how long it will last.
"It is clearly not toxic but still unpleasant.
"The person responsible has covered her thoroughly all over but avoided putting any around the animal's eyes and nose.
"Further washing would stress Pink and probably would not help to remove the colour so it will be case of waiting for it to grow out."
RSPCA officer Carl Hone said: "When I got the call I thought perhaps it would be a cat with something natural on their coat or which had rubbed against wet paint but this poor creature has been dyed completely pink, except around her eyes and nose, so she looks like she has a white mask on."
He added: "We are very keen to trace the person responsible for doing this to the cat and I would urge anyone with information, or who knows who she belongs to, to please call the RSPCA."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-11407516
'Sick prank' leaves cat dyed pink in Swindon
The RSPCA have criticised a "sick prank" in which a cat had its fur dyed pink and was then thrown over a garden fence in Swindon.
Officers are looking for the owner of the cat, which was found by a man in his garden in Wesley Street on 18 September.
The two-year-old, who has been named Pink, is said to be in good health.
However, vets have not been able to wash the dye out of her fur and she will have to wait for it to grow out.
It is thought the naturally white domestic short-haired cat is either a stray or has been abandoned.
This is because the fur around her neck has a pattern which suggests she has been wearing a collar fairly recently.
But the RSPCA said she could be someone's missing pet who was the victim of a prank.
Veterinary surgeon Penny Gillespie, who is caring for Pink at Cheldene Veterinary Centre and Boarding Cattery, said: "We have no idea what the dye is or how long it will last.
"It is clearly not toxic but still unpleasant.
"The person responsible has covered her thoroughly all over but avoided putting any around the animal's eyes and nose.
"Further washing would stress Pink and probably would not help to remove the colour so it will be case of waiting for it to grow out."
RSPCA officer Carl Hone said: "When I got the call I thought perhaps it would be a cat with something natural on their coat or which had rubbed against wet paint but this poor creature has been dyed completely pink, except around her eyes and nose, so she looks like she has a white mask on."
He added: "We are very keen to trace the person responsible for doing this to the cat and I would urge anyone with information, or who knows who she belongs to, to please call the RSPCA."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-11407516
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Badger cull in Wales quashed in the Court of Appeal
14.07.10The badger cull in Wales which was given the go ahead in January by the Welsh Assembly Government has been quashed in the Court of Appeal.
Following the success of the appeal we have issued this statement:
We are delighted to hear that the Badger Trust's appeal has been allowed.We realise that bovine TB is a serious issue but don't believe that a cull of badgers is an appropriate, practical or ethical solution. Many of the badgers culled would be likely to be disease-free.
The RSPCA has always been firmly opposed to the proposed cull in Wales as we do not believe that the science justifies it. We believe that vaccination, increased levels of testing, improved biosecurity and stricter controls on the movement of cattle are more sustainable and effective ways of reducing the incidence of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cattle.
We are, however, pleased with the concessions which were made. As we said in our response to the Welsh Assembly Government's original consultation (on Tuberculosis Eradication Order 2009), we always had concerns that the proposed legislation applied to the whole of Wales and should have been more specific.
This is a timely reminder about the importance of meticulous attention to detail before any culling regime is considered.
Vaccination project
Last month we reported on our dismay at the coalition government cuts to a project to vaccinate badgers against bovine TB due to take place this summer.
The project regarding the use of an injectable badger tuberculosis vaccine was initially announced on Thursday, 19 March by the then Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn. He said that the first vaccine against bovine TB in badgers would be used in the field in England, in Staffordshire, Herefordshire/Worcestershire and Devon.
Find out more about the proposed cuts to the project in our previous news story: Dismay at cuts to badger vaccination policy.
Back off badgers!
Show your support against the possible badger cull in England.
http://www.rspca.org.uk/media/news/story/-/article/EM_Badger_Trust
Monday, June 21, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Have you seen a leatherback turtle off Dorset coast?
5:00pm Wednesday 16th June 2010By Juliette Astrup
ENDANGERED turtles weighing up to a tonne could soon be spotted off the Dorset coast, conservation experts have said.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is urging people to keep a look out for leatherback turtles this summer – then log their sightings to build up a picture of their movements.
These critically endangered reptiles migrate from the tropics to UK seas each summer to gobble up large blooms of jellyfish off the coast.
According to MCS records they are regularly sported off Devon and Cornwall – but there have been no confirmed sightings off Dorset since 2004, so residents are being asked to keep their eyes peeled.
Peter Richardson, MCS Biodiversity Programme Manager, said: “It’s more than likely that they’re out there off Dorset – but they haven’t been reported.”
He added: “Leatherbacks are amazing creatures, the biggest of the turtles growing up to a couple of metres in length and weighing up to a tonne – about the same as small car.
“But what makes them really special and unlike any other reptile is the fact that they can maintain their own body heat, even in our chilly seas.”
Leatherbacks are fighting for survival against habitat destruction and disturbance of their tropical nesting beaches.
They can get entangled and drown in fishing gear and die from starvation when they eat plastic litter, which they mistake for jellyfish, blocking up their digestive system. Small numbers wash up dead around the UK each year.
Mr Richardson encouraged people to reported turtle sightings, be they dead or alive.
“The more UK turtle sightings we hear about, the better our understanding will be of these fascinating creatures, and the more we will know about how to make sure they are safe when they visit our seas,” he added.
Log sightings at mcsuk.org and euroturtle.org/turtlecode or by calling 01348 875000.
• Live stranded turtles should not be returned to the sea but should be reported immediately to the RSPCA on 0300 1234999.
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/8222652.Have_you_seen_a_leatherback_turtle_off_Dorset_coast_/
(Submitted by Mark North)
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Seal rescued by RSPCA after swimming into Wylfa power station
Jun 17 2010by Andrew Gilpin,
Daily Post
AFTER going fishing, this plucky seal nearly went fission.
The adult male slipped through bars at the end of a sea pipe and entered a cooling chamber at Anglesey’s Wylfa nuclear power station.
Staff called in RSPCA Cymru experts who lifted the visitor into a basket and returned him to the sea further along the coast at Cemlyn Bay. The rare incident happened at the power station on Wednesday.
Wylfa spokeswoman Lowri Jones said: “Seals can be vicious in these circumstances and he may have been a little bit angry.
“But he was completely unharmed with no radiological effects. These incidents are very rare. The last one was early last year.”
RSPCA Cymru said the mammal was dragged along by the strong currents created by the power station.
The hapless seal found himself in a large watery chamber with no means of escape.
RSPCA animal welfare officer Mark Roberts said: “This kind of rescue happens from time to time and we’re grateful for the vigilance of power station staff.
“Due to the size and nature of the building, this kind of rescue is always a challenge.”
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2010/06/17/seal-rescued-by-rspca-after-swimming-into-wylfa-power-station-55578-26668432/
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