Second Dog Found Tied To A Tree

Monday 14 December 2009
 

The RSPCA is appealing for information about a second dog found tied to a tree in Buckinghamshire. 

The appeal comes after Holly, an English bull terrier cross, was found in Great Missenden, on Monday 7 December. 

Vets contacted the RSPCA after a German shepherd/collie cross was found tied to a tree in High Wycombe on Friday 4 December.  Freddie, as he has been named by kennel staff, was discovered in woods at the end of Micklefield Road during the evening.  He was wearing a chain collar, but had no other form of identification. 

The black and tan-coloured dog was suffering from a flea allergy which had caused some hair loss.  He also had mange on his feet and a large untreated tumour between his back legs. 

It is thought that Freddie is about 11 years old.  The vets think he may have had the tumour for several months, but he will be treated and should make a good recovery. 

The South Buckinghamshire branch of the RSPCA is placing the dog with a fosterer until his owner comes forward or a new home can be found. 

RSPCA inspector Martin Rivett said:  “It is worrying that dog owners think it is acceptable to tie their pets up and leave them, especially when they have medical problems.  Both Holly and Freddie urgently needed veterinary treatment. 

“We understand that owners may sometimes face difficulty, but they must seek help for their pets.  I can never understand why someone would leave a once-loved pet out in the cold with little thought for their welfare. 

Anyone who knows where Freddie may have come from should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999. 

To find out how to support the work of the Buckinghamshire South branch of the RSPCA please call 01494 564026 or visit www.southbucksrspca.org.uk

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The RSPCA’s Comedy Calls Of 2009

Wednesday 16 December 2009
 

Every 29 seconds, a member of the public calls the RSPCA for advice on animal welfare or to report an incident of cruelty. 

Whilst the majority of these calls are of a serious nature, occasionally they range from the weird and wonderful to the downright wacky. 

This year, the RSPCA national call centre has taken more than one million calls and here, in no particular order, are our top 10 funny phone calls received over the last 12 months. 

• A member of the public called the RSPCA to report a slow moving tortoise on the hard shoulder of a motorway. After calling on the Highways Agency for assistance, they tracked down a deflated football.

• Someone reported that a seagull was looking sad because it was sitting in the rain.

• A caller asked us if we could remove the spider from her bathroom sink.

• An inspector went to a call that a bat had been on a bedroom ceiling for a number of days. It turned out to be a damp patch.

• A lady called our emergency telephone number to ask us to reserve a chair she saw in an RSPCA charity shop window.

• Another woman asked if we could collect her RSPCA catalogue from her friend’s house as she had borrowed it a long time ago and not returned it.

• A lady contacted the RSPCA to say that the farm next door smelt and wondered if there was anything we could do about it.

• A cat-lover wanted advice on why his furry feline did not purr.

• A hotel located next to a duck pond was receiving complaints from guests because their neighbours could be heard quacking.

• A man requested help to remove the ladybirds which were climbing up a wall at his house.

Although we may have a little laugh at these stories, the RSPCA would like to remind members of the public that the 24-hour advice and cruelty line is for reporting serious cases or emergencies concerning animal welfare. Many requests are for animals to be rescued or to report animals involved in accidents.
The cruelty and advice line operates in a very similar way to the 999 emergency services number and non-urgent calls could prevent us from dealing with a serious incident.
People with general enquiries about the RSPCA should call our non-emergency enquiries line on 0300 123 4555. 

You can hear more about these calls in this month’s RSPCA wildlife podcast available online at www.rspca.org.uk/wildlife

Holly Found Tied To A Tree
Wednesday 9 December 2009

The RSPCA is appealing for the owner of a dog found tied to a tree in Buckinghamshire to come forward.
Holly, as the English bull terrier cross has been nicknamed by veterinary staff, was found tied to a tree in The Lee, near Great Missenden on Monday afternoon (7 December).
She was taken to Wendover Heights veterinary surgery, in Halton, who then contacted the RSPCA. Holly was found to be suffering from mammary tumours, an infected womb and infected teeth. She also has some eye and skin problems.
It is thought she is about 10 years old. She is white and has distinctive black spots on her ears.
The south Buckinghamshire branch of the RSPCA is funding Holly’s treatment as she is a very friendly dog with a great nature and they wanted to give her a chance.
She has had emergency treatment and is responding well.
RSPCA inspector Martin Rivett said: “Holly is a lovely little dog and I’m surprised that someone has dumped her, possibly having owned her for some time.
“Even if they couldn’t afford to keep her or get veterinary treatment, the owners should have sought help.
“We often see unwanted animals abandoned or given up before Christmas and Holly seems to be just another one of those animals left out in the cold.”
Anyone who knows where Holly may have come from should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.

To find out how to support the work of the Buckinghamshire South branch of the RSPCA please call 01494 564026.

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Remember, Remember Your Animals This November
Friday, 30 October 2009 

The number of complaints to the RSPCA about firework related incidents fell to its lowest level in four years in 2008, with hopes for even fewer this year.
The RSPCA received a total of 451 complaints from members of the public about fireworks throughout 2008, compared to 573 in 2005, 501 in 2006 and 555 in 2007. The RSPCA investigated 306 fireworks related incidents last year, which is a significant drop compared with 553 in 2007, 500 in 2006 and 575 in 2005.
Mark Evans, the Society’s chief veterinary advisor, shares his advice on how to deal with firework phobia in the latest RSPCA wildlife podcast, which can be listened to at www.rspca.org.uk/wildlife.
“Fireworks, as well as other loud noises such as thunder, cause a great amount of anxiety in dogs, but it is important that owners realise there is help out there for them and their animals. They don’t have to watch their pets suffer, year after year.
“A number of scientifically proven sound therapy packs are available to buy, while your vet will be able to refer your pet to a clinical animal behaviourist if necessary,” said Mark.
An estimated 45% of dogs in the UK – more than three million – are likely to show fearful behaviour when they hear fireworks.
It is therefore encouraging that the amount of people visiting the fireworks pages on the RSPCA’s website doubled last year to 21,710 visits, compared to approximately 10,000 in 2007.
Numerous packs – including the RSPCA endorsed Sounds Scary! by Sound Therapy  Pets – are available to help owners help animals to learn to be less afraid of loud fizzes and bangs.
In a scientific trial where owners trained their dogs with the Sounds Scary! CD, together with the use of a dog appeasing pheromone (DAP), 93% of owners stated there was a degree of improvement in their pet’s behaviour.
Mark added: “It takes plenty of time and effort to help your pet overcome his or her firework phobia, but we want owners to help their dogs well in advance of Bonfire Night, rather than attempt and often fail to provide short term fixes that have no long-term benefit.
“It may be too late for this Guy Fawkes night, but it is an ideal time to start helping your dog ahead of the New Year fireworks.”
Suzie Graham, RSPCA East regional manager, said: “It isn’t just household pets that can suffer at this time of year and it is extremely important that people think about the dangers bonfires and fireworks can pose to wild animals RSPCA wildlife centres often have to treat injured and burned hedgehogs that have been caught in bonfires as a result.
“People should build bonfires as late as possible to reduce the risk of animals hiding in them. Disturbing the bonfire’s foundations and checking carefully for any animals before lighting the fire can also give wildlife a chance to escape before it is lit.” 

The RSPCA’s firework leaflet, which is full of useful advice, is available to download at www.rspca.org.uk/fireworks

RSPCA advice for cats and dogs

• Treat fireworks phobia early – speak to your vet about what you can do for your pet.
• Close windows and curtains during fireworks, and play music quietly to mask the firework noise.
•  Try to ignore your cat/dog if they show signs of fear, unless there there is imminent danger and never show anger to your cat/dog if he/she appears frightened. Either action will only convince your pet that there is something to be afraid of and will make things worse.
• Make sure your cat/dog is kept in a safe environment at all time, but has somewhere to hide safely.
• Make sure your pet is microchipped as this will help the chances of a safe return if they do escape.
• Consider using a dog-appeasing pheromone diffuser that disperses calming chemicals into a room where your pet is. Speak to your vet for advice.
• Provide a doggy play area in your house in a quiet room, where your pet can go during fireworks.
• If possible, keep your cat indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off and remember to lock the cat flap once he/she is indoors.
• Make sure your cat/dog has somewhere to hide if he/she wants to. Don’t try to tempt them out as this can cause increased stress.

RSPCA advice for small animals

• If your pet lives outside, partly cover cages, pens and aviaries with blankets so that one area is well soundproofed. Make sure your pet is still able to look out.
• Provide lots of extra bedding for your pets so that they have plenty to burrow in.

RSPCA advice for wildlife

• Before setting fire to any bonfire or pile of vegetation, make sure you check it carefully for any animals.
• Only build bonfires at the last moment to prevent wildlife from hiding inside them.
• Disturb the foundations of a bonfire before lighting it to give wildlife the chance to escape.

General advice

• Use lower-noise fireworks as they will reduce the likely stress caused to animals.
• Make sure that pet and farm animal owners in the neighbourhood are aware of the time and date of any fireworks event you have planned.
• Fireworks debris and litter can harm animals, so pick it all up after it has cooled down and dispose of it safely.
• If you find any injured animals during the fireworks season, contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

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Vote Now For Your Favourite Pet Picture
30 September 2009

A teenager from Buckinghamshire is after your vote in the RSPCA’s prestigious Young Photographer Awards (YPA) after being shortlisted for the competition’s People’s Choice Award.

Joanne Faulkner, from High Wycombe, is one of six budding snappers from across England hoping to be crowned the winner of the new prize, which is up for grabs for the first time this year. Her photograph of her pet dog Dave has been shortlisted from thousands of images submitted to the competition, which is sponsored by Olympus and Warners Midlands.
Joanne, aged 13, said: “This picture portrays my dog, Dave, and his inquisitive nature. I had only walked to the end of the driveway with my sister to put the bin out, and when we came back he was poking his nose out from underneath a bit of broken fence.”
To vote for Joanne to win, text ‘RSPCA 01’ to 81400. Approximately 61p of every text vote will go direct to the RSPCA and helps improve animal welfare across England and Wales.*
The shortlist for the RSPCA People’s Choice Award, in association with The Sunday Express, was put together by a judging panel which includes BBC Countryfile presenter and YPA host Matt Baker.
He said: “For me it is all about catching the character of the animal and these pictures do exactly that. Some of these photographs would easily hold their own against those taken by professionals.
“I think people would be stunned to know how young some of these people are when they see what extraordinary images they have captured.”
Fellow judge and awarding winning wildlife photographer Danny Green also cast his expert eye across this year’s finalists.
“The standard was so high that there were plenty of superb shots which simply didn’t make the final cut.
“I had seen the standard of winning photographs from previous years, so I expected the quality to be high, but not as high as this. Some of these youngsters have fantastic futures as photographers based on what I’ve seen.
“To get a great photograph is a difficult art to master, but some of these people have made it look easy,” said Danny.
Voting closes at the end of October and the RSPCA YPA People’s Choice Award winner will be announced by Matt Baker on Friday, 11 December at the Tower of London.
The winner of the People’s Choice Award will also receive an Olympus Mju 9000 sleek 10x zoom compact camera.

•  You will be charged £1.00 plus one message at your standard network rate. The RSPCA will receive approximately 61p per text from all major networks apart from Virgin where the amount is 44p.You can increase this amount by responding to your confirmation text and gift aiding your donation.

•  The voting will close on 31 October, 2009 at 23.59. Any texts received after this will not be counted but you may still be charged.

• For help or queries on this service please phone 0300 1234 555.

• For full terms and conditions please visit www.rspca.org.uk/ypa

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On the 23rd of September we had the Chuckle Brothers visit the Burnham Shop!

They were recording their new T.V series and used our window and shop front as scenery - although don't expect to recognise it (if you watch children's t.v?) as it became a trophy shop for the afternoon. The crew, (around 18 of them!) were all really considerate and managed to work around our intrigued customers, most of the filming was done outside, we didn't even have to close the shop - it was business as usual - almost!
 We all enjoyed a very interesting afternoon, as well as being the centre of attention in Burnham High Street (to the surprise of the staff at the new Tesco store who had opened their doors for the first time this morning - I wonder what their first impression of Burnham is after today!?!)
We are also extremely pleased to be able to tell you that for our hospitality we are to receive a donation of £250 for the branch.
Here is a photo of The Chuckle Brothers with Jackie Orelious our shop supervisor, Tom Willis our van driver, Myself, and 2 of our youngest volunteers ( as well as Tilly the dog - well the animals had to get in on the act somewhere didn't they?)

When people ask why I love my job, I always say "because no two days are the same", I wonder if they realise just how true that is - and what tomorrow will bring! ~Anna Meredith

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Tiny Trio Dumped At Roadside
Monday 14 September 2009


The RSPCA is appealing for information after three tiny puppies were found dumped at the side of the A40 on Saturday 12 September.

The pups had been left in a grey plastic dog carrier at the side of the eastbound carriageway near Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. They were found at 8.15am and it is thought they had been left there  some time during the night as the carrier was wet with dew. Inside the carrier was some shredded paper which was soaked with the puppies’ urine.

The dogs were taken by a passing motorist to a veterinary surgery in Beaconsfield. The two males, named Toffee and Bumble by volunteers from the RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch, are suffering from gastroenteritis and are on drips. They also have worm infestations and have no interest in food. The female dog, named Alise, is in better condition and is being hand fed.

The puppies are thought to be aged between seven and eight weeks old and are Yorkshire terrier crossbreeds. They will be placed with fosterers when they are well enough and will then be made ready for rehoming if their owner cannot be found.

Heidi Free from the Buckinghamshire South branch said: “Toffee was very cold and was the lightest of the three puppies, weighing just 1.34kgs. Bumble seemed OK at first and was lively and friendly, but he is now also very poorly.

“It will take a while and lots of TLC to bring them back to health, but hopefully they will all be OK.”

RSPCA chief inspector Rob Skinner said: “These puppies had been left at the side of a busy road with no thought for their welfare or safety. If they had not been found, there would have been a much less happy ending to their story.

“There is no excuse for dumping animals as help is available from the RSPCA and other animal welfare charities.”

Anyone with information about this incident should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.

Although the puppies are not ready for rehoming yet, anyone interested in rehoming an animal from the RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch should call 01494 564026.

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 Abandoning Faith In Pet Owners As Animals Are Dumped At RSPCA Centre
Tuesday 11 August 2009

The RSPCA Blackberry Farm Animal Centre is making a desperate appeal to the public to stop dumping their animals after a spate of abandonments at the centre.
In the last two weeks, three cats, four kittens and three guinea pigs have all been left outside the centre in Quainton, near Aylesbury.  Animals are rarely dumped there.
Micha, a very friendly tabby cat was left in a box with a blanket at the gates on Friday 24 July.  However, the box was cardboard and had no lid, so Micha managed to overturn it and ended up in nearby bushes.  Although she was hiding when Julie Allen, the centre’s manager, went outside, Micha soon rushed over to her and wanted to be picked up.  Micha gave birth to five kittens three days later.
Hermione, a white cat, was dumped at the gate on Friday 7 August.  However, staff found only a box with three kittens inside and a note which said “Mum and kittens inside.  My name is John and I will come in on Monday”.  No one has been in about the cats since.
They eventually tracked the mother down, as well as another kitten late that night.  There is thought to be at least one more kitten out there and staff are continuing to search, although there are fears for the safety of the others as there is a busy road and a water-filled ditch nearby.
Another cat was left in a box on Tuesday 28 July and two days later, three terrified guinea pigs were discovered in a cardboard box which had been suspended from the gates four feet above the ground. It was swinging precariously in the high winds.
Julie said:  “To have this many abandonments at the centre is unusual and seems to be part of a worrying trend.
“This is not the way to deal with unwanted animals.  If someone rings us or comes into the centre we will do our best to help them.  Just dumping pets shows no regard for their safety.  If we can’t find those kittens they could starve to death just because their owner couldn’t wait to find them a new home or even make sure they were safe.”
The cats and kittens came to the centre at an already busy time, when there were already more than 90 cats in care.  The RSPCA appeals to owners to have their pets neutered to prevent them having unwanted litters that they are not willing to care for.
To find out how to rehome an animal from RSPCA Blackberry Farm please call 0300 123 0752.
To find out more about neutering please visit www.rspca.org.uk

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Man Found Guilty Of Causing Dogs To Suffer
 Wednesday, 5 August 2009 

Jan Ward (aged 23) was yesterday (Tuesday, 4 August) found guilty in his absence of causing unnecessary suffering to his two dogs by Aylesbury Magistrates’ Court, in a case brought by the RSPCA. Ward, of Chelsea House, Witan Gate, Milton Keynes, was reported to the RSPCA in November 2008 after his Rottweiler, Bruno, died.  Bruno was already dead when veterinary staff received a call from Ward asking them to collect him from his then address in Plover Close, Buckingham.  The one-year-old dog had multiple deep bite wounds to his head and legs, including more than 30 wounds on his left hind leg alone.  The wounds were infected and his back legs were caked in urine, faeces and dried blood.  Some of the wounds were so severe that muscle and bone was exposed. The examining vet found that Bruno would have suffered for two to four days and his death was caused by a combination of septicaemia, huge blood loss and shock.  Ward’s other Rottweiler, Tyson, was thin and had puncture wounds and scrapes on his face, ears, neck and legs, including two deep lacerations.  The wounds were found to be several days old and were infected. Both dogs’ injuries had been caused by them fighting with each other.  They had then received no treatment and Bruno had been left to die. The defendant claimed that he had no transport to get the dogs to a vet, despite being given taxi details by the vet during a previous phone call. RSPCA inspector Kirsty Hampton said:  “These dogs were left to suffer for no reason.  Bruno in particular was just left to slowly bleed to death over more than two days. “There can be no excuse for allowing animals to go through the sort of ordeal that these dogs went through.” A warrant has been issued for Ward’s arrest so that he can be sentenced for the offences.

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RSPCA Reveals Rise In Unwanted Cats
Monday 3 August 2009

The RSPCA East region has announced a rise in cat abandonments for the fourth year running.
The number of cats picked up by RSPCA officers rose from 2,519 in 2007 to 2,850 in 2008 in the East region.* In 2006 the figure was 2,020.
So far in 2009, the number of feline abandonments has already reached 1,363. As the numbers traditionally rise in the summer months, this figure is set to rapidly increase when the totals for August and September are added.
RSPCA centres, branches, private boarding facilities and foster carers are currently over run with cats, with hundreds in care.
The summer and early autumn period is the busiest time for cat abandonments. Between July and September 2007 calls involving 915 abandoned cats were received. In 2008, this rose to an incredible 1, 068 cats.
The RSPCA believes that failure to get their pets neutered means that owners are left with unwanted litters of kittens on their hands, which they then give up for rehoming or, in many tragic cases, simply dump.
One RSPCA branch in Lincolnshire took in a cat, which had a litter of small kittens and was already pregnant again. Branches hear a variety of reasons for not neutering pets. These include “I didn’t think they would mate as the lights were left on,” and, “I didn’t need to get them neutered as they are brother and sister.”
As well as reducing the numbers of unwanted cats and kittens, neutering is vital to protect against illness such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). It will also help stop tom cats fighting over territory or females. If Marvin and six other cats taken in by the Nottingham and Notts branch had been neutered they wouldn’t have fought with each other, causing Marvin to suffer from a badly infected bite which left a wound which stretched from his chin to the top of his head.
RSPCA regional manager Suzie Graham said: “Sadly Marvin’s story isn’t one in a million. Hundreds of cats end up becoming unwanted, injured or sick just because they weren’t neutered.
“Many of our branches can help towards the cost of cat neutering so there is never any excuse to risk your pet’s health.”
The RSPCA believes that the increasing numbers may also be due to a failure of cat owners to have their pets microchipped and many people going off on holiday and leaving their cats to fend for themselves.
Many of the cats collected by the RSPCA are thought to have caring families, but without a microchip there is no way of knowing where they belong. Suzie Graham added: “This places a huge burden on our animal centres and branches who take in more cats than they can find homes for. We are appealing to all owners to have their pet microchipped – it really could mean the difference between losing them forever or having them safely home.”
More information on microchipping and neutering can be found at www.rspca.org.uk

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Three Wild Birds Found Dumped
Thursday, 9 July 2009

The RSPCA is appealing for information after three wild birds were found dumped in box in Aston Abbotts, near Aylesbury, on Monday 6 July.

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Case Studies:

Puppy Found Dead In Canal

The body of a Staffordshire bull terrier puppy was found dumped in a canal in Lenton in Nottingham in January.

The distinctive black and white-coloured dog was just six months old. He had been dead for four days when the RSPCA was alerted.

RSPCA inspector Sue Haywood said: “I was deeply shocked when I pulled the body from the water. To treat an animal in such a throw-away manner is despicable and shows a complete disregard for the pain and distress he would have suffered.”

Dog Dumped From Van

A Staffordshire bull terrier was seen being dumped from the back of a silver van in Borrowash, Derbyshire, in February.

The brindle and white-coloured dog, since named Clara by the RSPCA, was uninjured and was eventually found a new home by the Society’s animal shelter in Derby.

RSPCA inspector Edwina Davidson said: “Animal owners who find themselves unable to look after their pets should contact the RSPCA or another responsible animal welfare charity. Dumping dogs is irresponsible, illegal and is never an option.”

Young Dog Found Dead In River

The body of a young Staffordshire bull terrier was found in the River Nene in March, Cambridgeshire in March.

A brick had been tied to the brindle and white-coloured dog’s lead to weigh the body down. The terrier still had his baby teeth, meaning he was less than a year old. It is thought he had been in the water for a week.

RSPCA inspector Jon Knight said: “It can usually be presumed that an animal found dead in a river with bricks tied to it was intentionally put there to drown. If this was the case, the dog would have suffered a distressing and painful death.

“This appears to be a callous and deliberate act of cruelty.”

Sick Puppy Found Dumped

An eight-month-old Staffordshire bull terrier was found wandering along a street in Beeston in Nottingham in March.

The brindle and white-coloured dog was suffering from severe mange which had caused her skin to become sore, infected and even bloody in parts.

She was a normal weight and it is thought she was being cared for by someone until quite recently.

RSPCA inspector Sue Haywood said: “This puppy was in a lot of discomfort. Her skin was infected and she had lost much of her fur. An owner did not come forward so we presume that someone dumped her when they couldn’t afford or couldn’t be bothered to seek veterinary treatment.”

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Swan Injured By Hook Was Also Shot
Friday, 3 April 2009

The RSPCA is appealing for information after a swan with a fishing hook injury was rescued and found to have five air gun pellets in his body.

The swan was picked up from Dimocks Pit, Bletchley Road in Newton Longville, Milton Keynes on Friday 27 March by RSPCA animal collection officer (ACO) Andy Eddy. A fishing hook was embedded in the bird’s cheek and he was taken to St Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital for treatment.

Vets at the hospital removed the hook which had not caused serious injury and x-rayed the swan. It was then that they saw that he had five air gun pellets in his back. The wounds had healed and the pellets were not causing the swan any discomfort so it was decided to leave them to avoid causing further distress.

ACO Eddy released the swan back to Dimocks Pit on Thursday 2 April. He said: “This poor swan suffered pain and distress because someone was careless with their fishing litter. He had also endured pain when someone deliberately shot at him in the past.

“Those with air weapons need to remember that it is illegal to use them to cause suffering to animals. Animals and birds are not there for people to use as target practice and we need to hear from anyone who sees this happening.”

The RSPCA also reminds people to take their fishing hooks and used line home to dispose of them properly.

Those found guilty of killing or injuring a wild animal or bird could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a £5,000 fine under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.

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Dog Breeder Found Guilty of Causing Suffering
 Thursday, 26 March 2009
 

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