South Bucks RSPCA news

Monday 16 June 2008

Baby birds in the care of RSPCA wildlife centres are for the first time being played recordings of the dawn chorus to help them to learn to sing.

A recent scientific study* funded by the RSPCA concluded that birds being reared in captivity could benefit from being played song from birds of their own species before they are released back into the wild.

As a result, CDs of birdsong - which contain all the calls of birds cared for - are this year being played twice a day to the hundreds of fledglings being cared for in RSPCA wildlife centres.

Tim Thomas, an RSPCA wildlife officer, said: "The ability to sing is extremely important to the males of most bird species because it is vital for them to form and then defend their own territory and find a mate. Female birds in many species choose a partner based on the way they sing.

"Birds learn to sing from their parents so being reared in captivity can mean that they don't know how to sing properly.

"The study found that the majority of birds species benefit from being played birdsong - they listen to it and it helps them become good singers which will in turn help them to survive when they are released."

The report looked at the findings of 158 previous studies to reach general conclusions about songbirds including:
• Song is important to many bird species and may affect their success in acquiring a territory, which in turn affects their chances of survival and breeding.
• Song is a learned behaviour. To a certain extent the ability to sing is hardwired into the birds' brains but to master the art they need to learn by listening to other birds of the same species.
• Females don't sing as commonly as males but are attracted to males because of their song.
• Females often prefer males that sing more often, or have longer or more complex songs.
• Birds reared in isolation can develop abnormal songs. This is not liked by females.
• Most, but not all, bird species can learn by listening to a recording.

The report concludes that while being played a recording is not as effective as being taught by their parents, it doesn't do the fledglings any harm.

Each year the RSPCA's four wildlife centres receive about 4,500 fledglings during the peak months of April to August, which accounts for about a third of the animals they care for. The average stay for these birds is about 50 days, which puts a pressure on staff as well as space.

"At this time of year we get thousands of fledglings brought in by members of the public who see them on the ground, not able to fly, and assume they have been abandoned. But very often the mother is nearby and is still feeding them,” said Tim Thomas.

"The best thing to do is to leave them alone but watch from a distance and call the RSPCA only if you're sure they're in trouble. Although RSPCA centre staff look after them as best they can, and on average release more than 70 per cent, it's always far better if they are looked after by their parents."

The RSPCA's wildlife centres carry out research into the success of their rehabilitation work. For example blackbirds will be again radiotracked later this year to check whether the birdsong CDs are helping the birds' rehabilitation in the wild.

What to do if you see a fledgling on the ground:

• Fledglings of garden birds usually leave the nest just over two weeks after hatching - shortly before they can fly well. They will have grown all or most of their feathers, are very mobile and are able to reach low branches. They are normally being fed by their parents who are rarely far away. If in doubt, don't touch!
• Leave the bird and return in an hour or so.
• Young animals in immediate danger from traffic or a predator should be placed out of harm a short distance away.
• Don't try to return a fledgling to its nest as you may disturb other young birds.
• If you have a good reason to believe that a bird is orphaned - for example if you have seen both of its parents killed by a car - or it is clearly sick, put it in a dark, warm box and take it to your nearest vet or RSPCA centre.
• If you find an unfeathered bird that has fallen out of its nest this should also be brought into care immediately.

Another way in which CDs can help birds:

The birds in the RSPCA's four wildlife centres are not the only ones being given CDs in an attempt to help their welfare.

The RSPCA's standards for meat chickens also require that birds are given 'environmental enrichment' to help encourage them to express natural behaviour.

In many Freedom Food farms, which implement the RSPCA's standards, one of the ways they provide environmental enrichment is by suspending CDs on string from the ceiling. This gives the birds an interesting object to interact with and peck. Some chickens are also given footballs to play with.

Saturday 14 June 2008

RSPCA chief inspector Lee Hopgood is to be appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s birthday honours this year, for his outstanding services to animal welfare.

The announcement follows 14 years of remarkable work for the charity, and coincides with the publication today of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2008.

“I am absolutely delighted to be awarded this honour by Her Majesty the Queen,” said chief inspector Lee Hopgood. “I was speechless when I received the news, and for those that know me that’s a feat in itself!”

Lee (40), chief inspector for Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire, headed up the RSPCA’s regional ground response to last year’s summer floods. He and his officers worked closely with the emergency services to rescue both needy animals and people, and to deliver fresh water to farmers, boarding kennels and small holdings cut off from the mains supply by the floods.

Lee has also recently worked at the sharp end of the outbreaks of foot and mouth disease and avian flu - as well as equally challenging day-to-day work, such as investigating those suspected of harming animals.

He grew up on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent where his only direct involvement with animals was earning pocket money working on a farm during the lambing season. Since joining the RSPCA in 1994, he’s had to deal with animals of all shapes and sizes - and their owners. Lee made the change to animal welfare after serving with the Grenadier Guards for 10 years.

“I joined the RSPCA because it appeared to be an honourable career which would keep me active, I felt that it was an area where a person could make a difference, not just to animals but to people’s lives too,” said Lee.

“I experienced many things in the forces, some good, some very unpleasant. The army gave me the skills to deal with unpleasant people and unpleasant situations, something all RSPCA officers face regularly.”

Nigel Yeo, RSPCA Director of Animal Welfare Operations, said: “This honour is a fitting recognition of Lee’s unwavering commitment to preventing animal cruelty and neglect, however difficult the circumstances.

“Through his professionalism and devotion, Lee commands the respect of all around him, and everyone at the RSPCA is delighted that he is being awarded an MBE for his services to animal welfare. I pass on my personal thanks and congratulations.”

Lee said: “This honour is directly reflective of the dedication, hard work and professionalism to be found within the RSPCA inspectorate and the charity as a whole. I have a first class team of inspectors and animal collection officers covering Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire who all work with me to deliver the best service we can for animal welfare.”

Lee lives in Worcestershire with his dog Kheta – who was rescued four years ago by the RSPCA weighing just half that of an average two-year old Huskie. Her previous owners were prosecuted by the charity for causing Kheta and two other Huskies to suffer, but Kheta has since made a full recovery.

Lee’s partner Claire Brown is a local veterinary surgeon.

Friday 13 June, 2008

Four people have been arrested and four pitbull-type dogs have been seized during a series of co-ordinated raids today across the Midlands and north-east England. A total of eight addresses in Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough and Birmingham were raided by the RSPCA and police on suspicion of organised dog fighting.

Officers from the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit (SOU) and RSPCA uniformed inspectors were joined by police officers from West Midlands Police and Cleveland Police this morning in simultaneous raids.

Two arrests were made at an address in Bordesley Green, Birmingham, where officers also seized three pitbull-type dogs – one of which had scarring to its face. Two treadmills and a dog fighting training record were also discovered. One person was arrested at a property in Yarm and a further arrest was made at a property in Middlesbrough where officers also seized a pitbull-type dog. A treadmill was also seized at a property in Stockton-on-Tees.

Those arrested are currently in custody awaiting interview. The dogs are now in RSPCA care and have been taken to undisclosed locations for veterinary checks.

Chief Inspector Mike Butcher of the RSPCA Special Operations Unit said the raids were part of an operation code-named ‘Castle’. The operation follows a series of raids in the east of England in March and April, which led to six arrests and the seizure of 30 pitbull-type dogs.

“People may think that dog-fighting has gone away, but that’s simply not true,” he said. “There are still people who seem to gain pleasure from seeing two dogs ripping each other to pieces, so whilst those people continue to pursue their vile hobby, the RSPCA will continue to pursue them,” said CI Butcher.

“We would like to thank the police for their help and co-operation, and also members of the public for the information they have given us regarding dog fighting. We would ask people to continue being vigilant and call us if they suspect that dog fighting, badger baiting or cock fighting are taking place. These so-called ‘sports’ belong in the dark ages, and we would like to eradicate them from the UK.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999. Calls are treated in confidence.

Tuesday 3 June 2008

A dramatic increase in the number of dog fighting calls received by the RSPCA is revealed today (Tuesday) as the charity hosts a major 'summit' to discuss the increasing controversy over dogs in our communities.
In 2007 the charity received 358 calls specifically about dog fighting - compared to 137 in 2006. This is a staggering 15-times higher than the 2004 figure of 24. Of the 358 calls, 132 referred specifically to youths or 'hoodies' fighting their dogs in the street or park.
The figures are backed up by new Metropolitan Police statistics, which show a massive increase in the number of dogs seized in London under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Between 2003 and 2006, the numbers averaged around 38 dogs a year. Between May 2006 and April 2007 this leapt to 173, and in the 12 months up to April 2008 the figure was 480(3).
The Metropolitan Police say there has been no special push on 'dangerous' dogs - these figures reflect purely incidents to which they have reacted. Of the total figures, around 80% of the dogs are pitbull¬types, with the remainder being dogs which are dangerously out of control.
RSPCA Chief Officer of the Inspectorate Tim Wass said: "These new figures confirm what the public, our inspectors, other charities and our animal hospitals have been telling us - that there is a real problem at the moment with people using dogs for aggression and fighting.
"Our concern is that talk of dog fighting promotes images of 'dangerous' or 'devil' dogs, when in the vast majority of cases, it is the owner who is causing the problem, not the dog. All types of dog can be trained to be aggressive, just as all types of dog can be loving family pets. The purpose of this conference is to es~ablish what the real problems are, and to come up with real answers."
Dog attacks, dogs as weapons, 'status' dogs, stray dogs and dog registration will all be discussed at what looks set to be an important, lively and provocative gathering, to be held in London.
High-profile speakers include The Rt Hon Lord Rooker, Minister of State for Animal Welfare, who will be launching a new Defra leaflet on status dogs.
Other speakers include North Wales Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom and Inspector Neil Davies, the Head of the Dog Unit for Merseyside Police, which brought in a 'pitbull amnesty' following the tragic death of five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson on New Year's Day, 2007.
"We didn't agree with the pitbull amnesty, so some people have questioned why we've asked Neil Davies to speak at the conference," said Tim Wass. "The point of this gathering is to get a wide range of opinions on what are difficult issues, and to try and establish a unified, workable solution. Dogs are man's best friend, so we want to ensure that they are still seen that way, and not seen as a danger."
Delegates to the conference will be able to take part in instant voting on the issues, to enable the RSPCA to gather opinions. The summer conference is the first organised by the RSPCA as an annual series, aimed at confronting topical animal welfare issues.

Sunday, 1 June 2008

The previous owner of BBC Springwatch presenter Kate Humble's RSPCA rescue dog has been convicted for animal neglect. The RSPCA inspector who investigated the case said Badger was one of the thinnest dogs he had ever seen.
TV presenter Kate - a supporter of the RSPCA's Pet Adoption Week - recently adopted the now healthy Badger from the RSPCA's Newport Animal Centre.
Rhondda Magistrates' Court heard that the two-year-old crossbreed terrier - was severely underweight at just 4.8kg when he was first rescued by the RSPCA. His weight had increased by 84 per cent just one month later.
Badger's previous owner, from Pontypridd, recently pleaded guilty to failing to meet the welfare needs of the dog.
He was instructed to complete a one-year community order and banned from keeping animals for five years. He was also ordered to do 150 hours' unpaid work, attend an Enhanced Thinking Skills course and pay £260 costs.
In mitigation he said it was his girlfriend's dog and work commitments kept him away from home.
RSPCA inspector Simon Evans, who investigated the case, said: "This is one of the thinnest dogs I have ever seen. Badger's rapid rate of recovery shows that he was not underweight due to any illness, but merely from a lack of food.
"The owner showed a complete disregard for his duty of care to the dog - it was his moral and legal responsibility to provide food and he failed to do so. This case sends out a strong message that the courts will take this kind of wilful neglect seriously."
Badger is now back to full health and happy in his new home with Kate. If you would like to join Kate and give an animal a much-needed new start in life, the RSPCA's Pet Adoption Week could be your chance.
Kate said: "RSPCA Pet Adoption Week is vital for ensuring as many animals as possible get a really good second start in life. Give an animal like Badger a new home and you give him new hope. It's brilliant and I've loved every minute of adopting my dog. If you know you're ready for the responsibility of looking after a pet it's the most rewarding thing you can do."

In fact, a survey carried out for the RSPCA showed that 89 per cent of people in Great Britain who have adopted a pet said it was a good experience and 87 per cent of people said they would recommend adopting a pet to others.
Every year the RSPCA rehomes around 70,000 animals. They may be unwanted pets that have been dumped, victims of cruelty, or have been handed over to the Society by those whose circumstances have changed. At anyone time, the RSPCA has hundreds of animals looking for loving new homes, from large horses to tiny mice - and everything in between!
For an information pack about adopting an animal from the RSPCA, people should call the dedicated PAW phone line on 0300 123 8484 - or they can find out more by visiting www.rspca.org.uk/paw.

A man has been sentenced to 26 weeks in prison after setting a pitbull onto another dog, and filming it on a mobile phone.
Following an RSPCA prosecution, James Harland, 21, of King Street, South Bank, Middlesbrough, was yesterday sentenced by Middlesbrough magistrates to 22 weeks for procuring a dog fight. He was also sentenced to four weeks for failing to attend an earlier court hearing, to run consecutively, and was disqualified from owning dogs for 10 years.
In January this year, Daniel Tate, 20, of Cresswell Road, Grangetown, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to the same offence and was sentenced to five months in prison. He also pleaded guilty to possessing an illegal dog, under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, and to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog. He received five months custody for each of these charges, to run concurrently, and was disqualified from owning any animal for 10 years.
The RSPCA Special Operations Unit launched an investigation after mobile phone footage showed the pitbull, Chico, being restrained as another dog is brought in front of it. The other dog is believed to be a stolen Staffordshire bull terrier. Chico is then released and attacks the other dog, which can be heard whimpering.
Solicitor John Ellwood, representing the RSPCA, said: "Offences of this nature are abhorrent to right¬thinking members of society, and this was reflected by the court's' decision. We hope the sentence will be a lesson to others who might consider taking part in such a barbaric activity."
Chico has since been destroyed. The other dog has never been traced, so its fate is unknown.
The court case comes just a few days before a major conference on 'dangerous' dogs, being held by the RSPCA in London on Tuesday 3 June. Police, charities, dog wardens, vets and other dog professionals will meet to discuss increasing concerns about dog fighting, dogs being used as 'weapons' and 'status' dogs.
RSPCA Strategic Campaigner Miranda Luck said: "There is a concern among the public at the moment about dogs, whether it be high-profile attacks on children, organised dog fighting, or young people with tough looking dogs on street corners. The RSPCA wants to bring people together to discuss these issues, and hopefully we'll come up with effective solutions."

13 May 2008

Each year the RSPCA receives around 6,000 calls from members of the public concerned about an animal in a car on the street, in a supermarket car park or at a public event.

"A car left in direct sunlight quickly becomes an oven. Everyone knows that," says RSPCA chief veterinary adviser Mark Evans. "But even on an average warm, even cloudy summer day a car may become unbearably hot and stifling. Imagine how terrifying it would be if you were locked inside, unable to escape the oppressive heat and humidity. Don't let your dog be the one to find out the hard way. It may end up being the last thing he or she ever does."

It's not just cars that are the problem, as caravans and conservatories could also pose a risk. The RSPCA is also talking to event organisers and supermarkets, as these are common venues for incidents of dogs suffering in car parks.

The dangers

The most obvious warning signs of heat stroke are excessive panting and profuse salivation. Other signs include:

Find out more about the dangers of letting your dog overheat in summer and what you can do to keep your dog cool at:

www.rspca.org.uk/keepdogscool

Did you know...

Under the Animal Welfare Act, which came into force in April 2007, pet owners have a duty of care to their animals, which includes preventing suffering. Penalties are a fine of up to £20,000 or six months in prison.

A plucky cat from Aylesbury has survived an air weapon attack despite suffering horrific injuries.

Bertha, as she has been called by staff at Wendover Heights Veterinary Centre, was found at 7.45am on Friday 18 April outside a house in Wigmore Road, off Meadowcroft. The RSPCA was called and animal collection officer (ACO) Julie Britnell took the young black and white cat to the veterinary centre where three pellet wounds were discovered.

Bertha’s pelvis had been shattered by one pellet which entered above her left hind leg and she had a hernia where another pellet had ruptured part of her abdomen. The final pellet had hit the cat between the shoulder blades. Bella needed surgery and the examining vet was not sure that she would survive the weekend. However, the courageous feline is now making a good recovery.

As well as making an appeal for information about the attack, the RSPCA is trying to find out who Bertha belonged to. Lost and found notices were put up in the area by ACO Britnell, but so far an owner has not come forward.

The RSPCA in the East received 50 calls about cats shot with air weapons in 2007, an increase from 30 in 2006.

RSPCA inspector Kirsty Hampton is investigating the incident. She said: “The wounds were quite fresh and we think Bertha was shot on Thursday night or the early hours of Friday morning.

“It is time that people realised that shooting at animals is not funny or acceptable. This cat was caused extreme pain and distress by someone who was either bored of shooting at still targets or did not want cats in their garden. Either way, this will not be tolerated and we will do all we can to find those responsible.”

The Society would like to remind people that it is now illegal for anyone under 18 years old to have an airgun in their possession without supervision.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a £20,000 fine.

Those with information about this incident should call the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.

29,600 Animals Rescued – It’s All In A Year’s Work For The RSPCA - RSPCA releases East region rescue figures for 2007 -

Whether it’s a hawk trapped in a tree, hamsters dumped in a plastic tub, cattle stranded in a flooded field or a dog left injured and abandoned – no animal is too big or too small for the RSPCA.

For the second year running - and for a variety of different reasons - the world’s largest animal welfare charity rescued nearly 150 thousand wild, exotic, farm and domestic animals from dangerous and distressing situations across England and Wales. Of these, almost 30,000 rescues took place in the East of England.

The East region rescue figures include a 44 per cent increase in the number of animals rescued because they were callously abandoned by their owners - from 986 in 2006 to 1,417 in 2007. Cats made up 581 of these abandonments, outnumbering dogs by 312.

· A black and tan terrier found dumped in a removal van with a badly injured leg in Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire

· 15 guinea pigs, including 12 babies, found dumped in a field in Southwell, Nottinghamshire.

· 40 hens and cockerels let out of a 4x4 vehicle near Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. One was run over by a passing car

· A tiny terrier with a severe skin condition left shivering with cold in a hedgerow in Cambridge

And just four months into 2008, the Society in the East region has already rescued 26,773 animals, 2,621 of which had been abandoned. These include two chinchillas found in a soggy cardboard box in Newark; a cat left in a plastic carrier on a roadside in Market Harborough; and a skinny six-month-old Boxer dog left on a road in Netherfield, Nottinghamshire.

· A staggering 430 per cent increase in the number of farm animals rescued (139 to 737)

· An increase in rescues of wild mammals from 3,937 in 2006 to 5,005 in 2007, the majority of which (2,777) were sick or injured

· A 20 per cent increase in rescues of small domestic animals like rabbits and guinea pigs

· For the second year more wild birds were rescued than any other species (7,021), followed by cats (6,424)

· Wild animals (733) were the most frequent victim of traffic accidents, followed by cats (446)

· After the wet summer of 2007, the amount of animals rescued from floods totalled 43.

This news comes at the start of RSPCA Week (28 April – 4 May) – the Society’s largest annual fundraising and awareness raising push.

Commenting on the figures Simon Parker, acting superintendent for the RSPCA in the East, said: “The RSPCA works around the clock to rescue thousands of animals every year from a wide range of distressing situations and 2007 was no exception.

“From birds injured by oil spills to cattle suffering from foot and mouth disease, and cats in road traffic accidents to dogs simply abandoned by their owners, the RSPCA was on hand to help all types of animals whatever the emergency.

“Last summer we also deployed the biggest number of RSPCA staff for a generation to the rescue of farm animals, horses and other much-loved pets from the severe floods that swept the country.

“During RSPCA Week we want people to spare a thought for the many thousands of animals needing the RSPCA’s help each year and in particular for anyone thinking about getting a pet to consider the responsibility they are taking on before doing so.

“Sadly we noticed a rise in the number of animals we rescued last year because they were callously abandoned. It is an offence to abandon any animal and there is never any excuse for doing so. If people have pets they cannot care for, for any reason, then help and advice is always available from the RSPCA.”

Throughout RSPCA Week staff and volunteers are holding events to raise much-needed cash for the Society’s 171 branches across England and Wales, and collections are taking place in Tesco stores. To find out more about the week and how you can help visit www.rspcaweek.org.uk

*The term ‘abandoned’ is used for an animal that has been left completely alone to fend for itself i.e.it has not been handed over to an RSPCA centre or any other organisation or individual to care for it.

- The RSPCA’s annual cruelty statistics (prosecutions and cruelty cases) will be released on Wednesday 30 July -

Type of Animal 2007 2006 % Change

Caged/pet bird (eg. budgie) 822 853 -3.6

Cat 6,424 5,535 16.1

Dog 1,648 1,432 15.1

Equine 100 93 7.5

Exotic (eg. reptile) 402 492 -18.3

Farm animal 737 139 430.2

Poultry 343 289 18.7

Fish 1,174 147 698.6

Marine (eg. seal) 49 78 -37.2

Small domestic (eg. rabbit) 2,486 2,070 20.1

Water bird 3,385 3,525 -4.0

Wild bird 7,021 8,356 -16.0

Wild mammal 4,786 3,789 26.3

Other wild animals 219 148 48.0

Total 29,596 26,596 9.8

Anyone with any information on who abandoned these animals is asked to contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999

A young black cat - named Jess by cattery staff at the RSPCA Woodside Animal Centre in Leicester - was found at about 9am on Thursday 6 March. She had been shut inside a blue and cream-coloured plastic cat carrier and left in a hedgerow in Lenthall Square, Market Harborough.

RSPCA inspector Claire Mitchell said: "Jess had a shiny coat and was in good condition so we think she had been cared for until quite recently. It’s really sad that someone felt the need to abandon her in this way. It was a cowardly thing to do and there is no excuse. The RSPCA is always on hand to give advice and help to anyone struggling to cope with their pet.”

A pair of chinchillas - named Salt and Pepper by staff at the RSPCA Radcliffe-on-Trent animal shelter - was found in a soggy cardboard box in the middle of a playing field in Boughton early on Saturday morning (8 March). It is thought they had been there all night.

RSPCA inspector Keith Ellis said: "These two animals were lucky to still be alive after spending several hours in cold and wet weather. Owners really need to start realising that they have a legal responsibility to care for their animals and not just dump them when they tire of them."

A six-month-old boxer dog was found on Pearson Street in Netherfield on Friday 28 March. Polly, as staff at the RSPCA Radcliffe-on-Trent animal shelter named her, was very thin and timid when she was taken into Carlton Police Station.

The black and white puppy made a good recovery and is now being cared for in a foster home.

RSPCA inspector Chris Shaw said: “Polly suffered a frightening ordeal. I urge anyone who feels they cannot cope with their pet to contact the RSPCA or another animal welfare organisation for help, rather than just abandoning their pet with no regard for their safety.”

A grey lionhead rabbit was found dumped in a garden in Dulwich Road in Mackworth, Derby on Sunday 13 January.

The rabbit had been left in a cardboard box and had wounds on his front and hind left feet, neck and rear. The wounds were several weeks old and had not been treated.

RSPCA inspector Mick Darling took the bunny to a nearby veterinary surgery for treatment. He said: “We don’t know what caused the rabbit’s injuries, but to just leave him without veterinary care and abandon him is unacceptable and we are very keen to find out where he came from.

Six people have been arrested and 14 pit bull-type dogs seized during a series of co-ordinated raids yesterday across three counties in the east of England. Four addresses and a barn were raided by the police and RSPCA in relation to suspected organised dog-fighting.

Officers from the RSPCA's Special Operations Unit (SOU) and RSPCA uniformed inspectors were joined by more than 50 police officers from three forces in simultaneous raids at properties in Buntingford in Hertfordshire, Kexby and Grantham in Lincolnshire, and Ragnall in Nottinghamshire.

Officers discovered a number of pit bull-type dogs with scarring injuries consistent with fighting. Dog-fighting paraphernalia was also discovered including treadmills - used to improve dogs' fitness, veterinary kits - used to treat injuries sustained from fights, and dog-fighting videos. A suspected dog-fighting pit was also discovered at one of the addresses.

One dog found dead and two injured
In addition officers found one dead pit bull, who has been taken away for postmortem, and two injured Canary dogs, who have been taken to a vet.

Those arrested are currently in custody awaiting interview. The dogs are now in RSPCA care and have been taken to undisclosed locations for veterinary checks. The police are also investigating other offences at the address in Ragnall.

Chief Inspector Mike Butcher of the RSPCA Special Operations Unit said the raids were part of an operation code-named 'Cannon'. As part of the same operation, 16 pit bull-type dogs were seized from an address in Somercote, Derbyshire, on 11 March 2008.

A vile hobby that needs to be eradicated
"People may think that dog-fighting has gone away, but that's simply not true," he said. "There are still people who seem to gain pleasure from seeing two dogs ripping each other to pieces, so whilst those people continue to pursue their vile hobby, the RSPCA will continue to pursue them."

He added: "We would like to thank the police for their help and co-operation, and also members of the public for the information they have given us regarding dog-fighting.

"We would ask people to continue being vigilant and call us if they suspect that dog-fighting, badger-baiting or cock-fighting are taking place. These so-called 'sports' belong in the dark ages, so hopefully we can eradicate them from the UK."

Anyone with information about these or other suspected dog-fighting incidents, or to report an act of cruelty to any animal, is asked to call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty and advice line on: 0300 1234 999. Calls are treated in strictest confidence.

A hearing to decide the immediate fate of 29 donkeys and Shetland ponies owned by the Gray family has today resulted in the animals remaining in the care of the RSPCA and other welfare organisations.

Deputy District Judge Sandeep Kainth, at Oxford Magistrates Court, suspended the original order for the 11 donkeys and 18 ponies to be returned to the family in light of representation by the RSPCA. The case will now go to the High Court and will be subject to a judicial review.

A legal application was made on Friday 14 April by James Gray of Spindle Farm, Hyde Heath, Amersham, Buckinghamshire for the RSPCA to immediately return 29 animals that they and other welfare charities have been caring for since police seized them in January 2008.

The application was made by James Gray after Deputy District Judge Kainth ordered that 11 donkeys and 18 ponies be returned to him by the RSPCA, at a hearing in Oxford Magistrates Court on Friday 4 April.

For the RSPCA, Phillip Havers, QC, today said that to enforce the previous order to return the animals would be deciding the outcome of a judicial review before it happened.

He also said that there would be a risk of suffering to the donkeys and ponies if they were returned as donkeys were among the dead animals removed in January. Also, prosecution vet Robert Baskerville found that one of the donkeys was “considered to be at risk of death within hours or days unless it received urgent specialist treatment.”

“We are, of course, delighted that the animals will remain in the care of the animal welfare charities for the immediate future and hope we will be able to secure their long-term well-being,” said the RSPCA’s Chief Officer Tim Wass.

“We have very real concerns for the welfare of the donkeys, ponies and horses involved, which is why we are asking the Deputy District Judge to explain the original decision.”

Mr Justice Wyn Williams, at the High Court on Friday 14 April, referred the matter back to Oxford Magistrates Court, stating that: “by far the most appropriate person to enforce the order is the person who made the order”.

The court order for the return of the 29 donkeys and ponies, along with the sale at auction of 82 other horses, was made by Deputy District Judge Kainth following an application by the Gray family for their return, under Section 20 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The RSPCA contested this application, and had argued that they should be allowed instead to oversee the rehoming of the animals in order to safeguard their future welfare.

The animals will remain where they are until the outcome of the judicial review is decided.

The pre-trial review for the RSPCA’s criminal case against James John Gray, Julie Gray, Cordelia Gray and Jodie Gray – along with a 15 year old male – will be heard on 28 April 2008 at Oxford Magistrates Court. They face 12 charges related to section 4 and section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and cover causing unnecessary suffering to and failing to meet the welfare needs of a total of 125 horses, ponies and donkeys, removed from Spindle Farm between 4 and 12 January 2008.

A High Court hearing to decide the immediate fate of 29 donkeys and Shetland ponies owned by the Gray family has today been adjourned.

A legal application was made this morning by James Gray of Spindle Farm, Hyde Heath, Amersham, Buckinghamshire for the RSPCA to immediately return 29 animals that they and other welfare charities have been caring for since police seized them in January 2008.

The application was made by James Gray after Deputy District Judge Kainth ordered that 11 donkeys and 18 ponies be returned to him by the RSPCA, at a hearing in Oxford Magistrates Court last Friday (4 April). The Society is yet to return the animals.

“We have very real concerns for the welfare of the donkeys, ponies and horses involved, and so have asked the District Judge to explain his decision,” said the RSPCA’s Chief Officer Tim Wass.

“Meanwhile, we will continue to care for the animals and explore all available legal avenues in order to secure their future welfare.”

Today’s hearing focused on points of law rather than the welfare of the animals. Speaking in the High Court this morning, Mr Justice Wyn Williams stated that he had to have regard to the proper legal procedure and so directed the Grays to instead address the matter to the District Judge.

Mr Justice Wyn Williams acknowledged that the RSPCA has formerly asked the Deputy District Judge Kainth to state his case and concluded: “by far the most appropriate person to enforce the order is the person who made the order”.