Your Pets Daily - RSPCA

RSPCA fears for cats as weapon attacks on moggies soar in first half of 2024

Tom Stone — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

The RSPCA is warning cat owners to be extra-vigilant this summer after new figures suggest felines are being increasingly targeted in deliberate weapon attacks - with the nation's wildlife also in the firing line.

New data from the animal charity reveals that the number of cats shot with an air gun, catapult/slingshot or crossbow has more than doubled in the first six months of this year (44), compared to the same period in 2023 (18).

The warning comes as the RSPCA's 'No Animal Deserves Cruelty' summer campaign continues to raise vital funds supporting the charity's work to tackle animal cruelty.

Rocket - a tabby in Nottinghamshire - recently lost an eye and was left with life-changing injuries after being shot twice with an air gun.

Overall, there has also been a 23% year-on-year increase in the total number of animals targeted by weapons, up from 300 in 2022 to 370 last year.

Crossbows are the weapon which has seen the biggest increase in its use in attacks, with 11 incidents in 2023, compared to seven in 2022. Catapult/slingshot incidents also show an upward trend (27 to 28).

The charity's data reveals that between 2020 and 2023, there have been a total of 896 incidents reported to the RSPCA involving weapons affecting all types of animals. Counties with the highest number of incidents over that four year period include Kent (61), Greater London (52), West Midlands and Merseyside (36 each) and Nottinghamshire and Essex (32 each)

With the RSPCA receiving more reports of cruelty in summer than at any other time of year, the charity has released the heartbreaking figures as part of the No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal.

RSPCA Lead Wildlife Officer Geoff Edmond said: "These weapon attacks are horrific, but what we see is likely only the tip of the iceberg.

"It is unspeakably cruel and totally unacceptable to shoot animals for 'fun' like this - or to harm them for target practice, but sadly we receive nearly 200 reports every year.

"While most people will be appalled by attacking animals in this way, sadly the RSPCA's experience shows that there are people out there who are deliberately targeting wildlife, pets and farm animals with guns, catapults and crossbows. These weapons cause horrific pain and suffering.

"But we are doing all we can to change things. As more and more police forces are seeing worrying levels of weapons-related incidents, we are helping to develop Operation Lakeshot, a police-led partnership initiative initially established by Essex Police and the Metropolitan Police, which aims to tackle these worrying crimes against wildlife."

Incidents involving weapons reported to the RSPCA this year include:

Catapults: A fox in Chatham, Kent was shot with a catapult by a group of teenagers. Sadly, as the wild animal was also suffering from other severe medical issues, it was decided that euthanasia was the kindest option. May 2024.

A post-mortem carried out on a dead hedgehog found in Newbury revealed a 10mm diameter metal ball lodged in the animal's skull, suggesting he had been targeted with a catapult. July 2024

Air guns: Narla, a three-year-old cat from Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, was shot in the abdomen and the pellet ruptured her spleen. Luckily, thanks to expert veterinary care, she survived her ordeal. April 2024.

An x-ray of a hedgehog taken to a vet after being found wounded in a garden in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, revealed an air gun pellet embedded in his shoulder. Sadly, the wild animal had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds. April 2024.

A peacock was fatally wounded after being shot six times with an airgun in Shropshire. The bird was found with pellets lodged in his leg and several other areas following the shooting in the village of Hinstock near Market Drayton. January 2023

Crossbow: Two pigeons were seen with bolts or arrows through their legs (presumed shot from a crossbow) in the Duston area of Northampton. July 2024.

Geoff added: "Day after day, our frontline officers and animal centres see the sickening consequences of weapons being used on animals - severe injuries often leading to death. And what we deal with probably only represents a small part of a much wider problem, as not all cases will be reported to the RSPCA directly and there may be situations where animals injured and killed by these weapons are sadly never found - especially in the case of wildlife.

"This is why we need our supporters to back our RSPCA No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal campaign so we can tackle this horrific trend and continue to take action against cruelty."

Between 2022 and 2023, wild birds bore the brunt of weapon attacks, with numbers increasing from 190 to 214. Attacks on dogs also increased from 11 to 30 and from six to 32 for farm animals.

The RSPCA receives more reports of cruelty in summer than at any other time of year. That's why the charity has launched its RSPCA No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal because it's vital to take action together to help animals. If you believe that no animal deserves cruelty, please donate now to help animals as abuse reaches its awful peak this summer. By working together we can create a world that's kinder for all animals.

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No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal

Almost 7,000 animals rehomed by the RSPCA in Devon in last decade

Tom Stone — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

The RSPCA has revealed that it has found loving new homes for almost 7,000 animals in a decade in Devon, with the remarkable rehoming feat revealed to mark its 200th birthday in 2024.

The charity has come a long way since 1824 - when founding members of the charity met in a coffee shop in London determined to change animals’ lives, creating the then SPCA and sparking an animal welfare movement that spread around the world.

Now - as the RSPCA enters its landmark 200th anniversary year - the charity wants to inspire a one million strong movement for animals, as the charity aims to "create a better world for every animal".

Today Devon is served by a team of RSPCA rescuers who save animals and investigate cruelty while also offering welfare advice and help to pet owners in need.

The county is also home to independent RSPCA branches -Devon and Plymouth and South West Devon - who rehabilitate and rehome rescued animals and help animals most in need in the area. These separately registered charities raise money locally to support the animal welfare work they do.

Many will have endured horrendous suffering but with the care of dedicated staff and volunteers they will be helped to recover before they are found loving homes.

The latest available figures show that in the ten years up until the end of 2022 new homes have been found for a staggering 6,658 animals in the county. Additionally they have helped pet owners in the county by providing:

10,737 neuters (to stop unwanted pregnancies and promote responsible ownership)
3,448 microchips - to help reunite lost pets with their owners

Nationally the charity has rehomed 405,839 pets in need of a new home since 2013 thanks to its network of 140 branches and animal centres across England and Wales - which equates to 111 animals every day.

Also during that time 615,000 animals have been patients at the charity’s hospitals for anything from life-saving operations to welfare treatments and a staggering 1.7 million vet treatments have been carried out.

Throughout their history local RSPCA teams have helped thousands more animals in the county and are determined to carry on their amazing work as the RSPCA marks a new chapter - at a time when animals are facing bigger challenges than ever with the cost–of-living crisis.

Animal neglect and abandonment is sadly at a three-year high. In 2023, the RSPCA received 72,050 reports about animal abandonment and neglect - higher than in 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner (pictured with a rescued cat), said:

“We have even more animals in need of help coming into our care - but at the same time rehoming has been declining sharply, meaning thousands fewer rescue pets are being adopted and our branches and centres are full to bursting.

“We are also faced with increased bills and less donations due to the cost of living crisis which is one of the biggest challenges facing animal welfare right now - and this economic hardship is continuing into our 200th anniversary year.

“But we are determined to rise to the challenge and help animals and pet owners who need us more than ever. That’s why we’re currently asking supporters to Join the Winter Rescue by donating to help our rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them.

“Animals are now facing bigger challenges than ever as a result of factory farming, climate change, war and a cost of living crisis. In our 200th year we want to inspire one million people to join our movement to improve animals' lives.

“We’ve been changing industries, laws, minds, and animals' lives for 200 years. Together, there are actions, big and small, we can take to create a better world for every animal.”

To find out how you can join our million-strong movement for animals visit www.rspca.org.uk/200

The charity is also asking supporters to Join the Winter Rescue and make a donation to help rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them. More information can be found on the RSPCA's 200th anniversary webpage: https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/whoweare/history

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Charities working together to provide over a million meals to the nation's pets

Katie Court — Sat, 02 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Thousands of dogs and cats across the UK have been enjoying nutritious meals at no cost to their owners, through a programme set up by leading animal charities and the UK’s biggest food waste charity.

The Pet Food Partnership, comprising Battersea, Cats Protection, Dogs Trust, RSPCA and FareShare, and supported by Petplan, recently passed the significant milestone of one million meals provided to dogs and cats in England, Scotland and Wales.

To date the programme has provided the equivalent of 1,043,095 meals, approximately 154 tonnes of pet food donated by pet food manufacturers across the UK, during a time when many owners are having to cut costs wherever they can, including what they spend on their beloved pets.

Over the last year the cost of living crisis has continued to have an impact on pets and the animal welfare sector, with many dogs and cats being brought to rescue centres by heartbroken owners no longer able to afford to care for them. FareShare has also seen skyrocketing demand for food, with more people needing support to feed themselves and their families as they struggle to make ends meet.

As the nation prepares to head into another cold winter, facing higher energy bills, the charities fear that many owners will be struggling to cover their living costs. With the programme’s pet food continuing to be distributed to those that need it the most, the partnership hopes that this will give pet owners one less expense to worry about.

A spokesperson for the Pet Food Partnership, said: “We know how important pets are to the people that love them, and that many owners would rather go hungry themselves than let their pet go without a meal. We believe no one should ever have to make that choice. That’s why we started this programme – to offer struggling owners a helping hand and fill pet food bowls across the UK.

“While reaching the million meals milestone is a great example of how effective working together can be, it is also a sad indicator of how many owners continue to struggle as a result of rising costs. From the dog owners up in Aberdeen, to the people with cats down in Plymouth, we’re here to help keep pets well-fed this winter.”

The partnership was created at the end of 2022 with the goal of helping owners struggling to feed their pets during the cost of living crisis. With the animal charities working together to secure pet food donations from leading suppliers including Mars Petcare, Lily’s Kitchen, Pets at Home and Purina, plus additional support from trade industry body UK Pet Food to help co-ordinate and bring in further donations, the food is then distributed to the people and their pets who need it via FareShare’s network of over 8,500 community groups and charities across the UK, supported by a generous donation towards transportation costs from Petplan, the UK’s number one pet insurer.

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Expert advises on what to do when your insurance doesn’t cover your pet’s health problems

Your Pets Daily Editor — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0000

When your pet gets ill or is injured, it's a big concern, especially since it can be very expensive and difficult to afford. To avoid stressing you out with unexpected bills, here are 5 things to consider when it comes to covering your pet's health, according to an expert from Petplan, including tips on what to do if you find yourself in a tricky financial situation.

1. Why is it important to have pet insurance?

There are many reasons that it's important to insure your pet. First and foremost, pet insurance can help you cover the cost of veterinary bills. If your pet gets ill or is injured, the right pet insurance policy will give you peace of mind that you'll be able to cover the cost of their care, and reduce the financial stresses that come with unexpected bills. What's more, lifetime pet insurance policies will ensure that your pet is covered for any lifelong conditions they are diagnosed with after the cover started. This means that you can continue to access veterinary care for that condition throughout your pet's life.

Just like us, pets can get ill or injured at any time so it's important to make sure you have the right cover in place to be able to get them the best care you can. Not all pet insurance policies are the same, and finding the right cover from day one is really important.

Asking these questions can help you decide what cover is just right for your pet's needs:

Will my pet's symptoms or condition be covered for life?
Are there any limits per condition within the vet fee cover?
Does the policy cover dental illness and injury?
Will my premiums go up as a result of claiming against the policy?

Alongside vet fees and dental care, Petplan policies also provide cover for missing pets, diagnostic tests and scans, complementary treatments and behavioural conditions, as standard.

2. Why shouldn't pet owners rely on fundraisers to foot the bill for veterinary costs for their pets?

Veterinary costs are often sudden and unforeseen, or ongoing. If your pet needs immediate care, you won't want to wait before you are able to take them to the vet and, whilst it might seem like a good idea, fundraising for your pet's care could take a very long time. Your pet's condition could get worse during this period, which risks prolonging your pet's distress, as well as increasing the costs of veterinary care.

What's more, you cannot rely on people to donate to your pet's care fund and you may quickly find yourself out of options if you don't receive the donations you need.

Furthermore, some treatments are required over the longer term. Whilst fundraising may work over the short term, perhaps to cover the cost of an initial operation, it is rarely viable over the longer term for ongoing care and medications.

If you would struggle to pay an unexpected vet bill, it's always best to take out a pet insurance policy to alleviate some financial concerns.

3. What should you do if your current pet insurance plan doesn't cover the extent of your pet's treatment? Is fundraising a viable option then?

All pet insurance policies have a vet fee limit in place. Some also have additional limits hidden within the small print of your policy documents. Make sure you understand what medical conditions your policy covers, and for how much and how long before committing to a policy.

Unfortunately, if your existing policy does not cover your current vet bills, switching providers for a different policy won't help and the new policy will not be able to cover the current costs. This is because the current symptoms (as well as any previous ones) will be labelled as pre-existing – even if your pet has recovered from the illness that caused them.

Again, whilst there's nothing to stop you fundraising for your pet, it's important to remember that this can take time and is not a failsafe method. You could be prolonging your pet's distress or even putting them in danger by not seeking veterinary help sooner.

4. Are there any medical conditions that aren't covered by pet insurance?

There are various different types of pet insurance cover. The four main types are:

Accident-only
Time-limited
Maximum benefit
Lifetime

As the name suggests, accident-only cover applies to conditions caused by an accident, such as a road-traffic accident or ingesting something they shouldn't. These types of policy will not cover you for illnesses or diseases.

Whether you purchase a time-limited, maximum-benefit or lifetime cover policy, you'll need to understand the exclusions that may be placed on your particular policy – these are costs that your pet insurer will not cover. When you take out a policy on a perfectly healthy puppy, kitten or baby rabbit, there are unlikely to be any exclusions on your policy.

However, if your pet has shown symptoms of a condition and/or has been treated for an illness or injury, these conditions may not be covered on a new policy as they are now referred to as a pre-existing condition. A pre-existing condition could be placed on your existing policy on renewal, or on a new policy if you switch providers. Note that a pre-existing condition doesn't mean that the cause of the symptoms has been diagnosed. If your pet has received treatment for a limp for example, even though the exact cause of that limp was never diagnosed, your new insurer is unlikely to cover any costs related to limping on your policy. If your pet is already insured before the limp started then your insurer should cover costs related to diagnosing or treating it, provided they fall within your vet fee limits and have not already been excluded.

Pre-existing symptoms and conditions are a common cause of declined claims, so it's important to read your insurance documents carefully when switching or renewing your policy.

Depending on your insurance provider, a time-limited policy may offer cover for 12 months from when your pet first exhibited that symptom or condition. On other policies, such as Petplan's Essential policy, your pet is covered for 12 months after starting treatment, covering vet bills up to £3,000. Many pet owners who have insured their pet using a time-limited policy assume that they have one year of cover from when they start claiming. This means that they sometimes consent to costly investigations and treatments assuming they are covered because they haven't claimed yet.

Sometimes a pet owner will only realise a symptom or condition is excluded when their claim is declined by the insurer, because they check a pet's medical records to see whether they've previously suffered from these symptoms. If this has happened more than a year ago, this claim will be declined.

This does not happen, however, when a pet has been insured continuously via a lifetime policy. This is by far the major advantage of taking out one of these policies when your pet is young and perfectly healthy. Most pet insurers also don't cover routine vaccinations, parasite control, microchipping and neutering. These are all essential parts of responsible pet ownership so you'll need to budget for these separately.

5. If you can't afford pet insurance, where should you turn?

Whilst it does add an additional cost to your monthly outgoings, a good quality pet insurance policy is the best way to ensure you're financially supported if something does happen to your pet, as vet fees can be surprisingly expensive.

However, if you are really struggling to foot the bill, there are some charities you can turn to for help. PDSA offers means-tested veterinary support to some pet owners; to qualify for their support you need to be receiving certain benefits, such as housing or council tax support, and live within the catchment area of a PDSA centre. The Blue Cross operates a similar scheme and the RSPCA offers reduced-cost vet care to pet owners who meet their criteria.

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Lancashire man who 'tortured' puppy to death is jailed

Katie Court — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

A man who tortured a puppy has been given the longest prison sentence ever handed down under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 after he was prosecuted by the RSPCA.

Dudley Payne, Penwortham, was convicted of killing 11-week-old American bully breed Rocko and inflicting a catalogue of non-accidental injuries on his pet including severe head trauma, a ruptured liver, a partial hip fracture and a prolapsed eyeball. Payne had only owned the young puppy for six days.

Payne was sent to prison for two years and nine months by Lancaster Crown Court and banned from keeping animals for 15 years.

RSPCA inspector Emma Dingley said it was the most shocking and violent act of deliberate cruelty towards an animal she had ever investigated in her eight-yearcareer with the animal welfare charity.

Payne had denied causing unnecessary suffering to Rocko - whom he had brought from a childhood friend - claiming the injuries had been caused when he was performing CPR on the dog at his home. The jury at Preston Crown Court took just 20 minutes to find him unanimously guilty of animal cruelty after a four-day trial last month.

Jurors heard that the RSPCA was contacted by a vet after Rocko was taken to them on 2 February last year but was dead on arrival. A post-mortem showed the puppy had suffered a ruptured liver, head trauma, a partial hip fracture and abrasions consistent with being scratched by fingernails, as well as cigarette burns to his groin area. There were also injuries to his abdomen and lacerations to his liver and he had inhaled the contents of his stomach.

In a statement read in court at the trial, inspector Dingley said: "The vet received the post mortem results back and immediately contacted the RSPCA. He told me on the phone it was the worst post mortem examination report he had ever read."

A vet who also gave evidence in court said Rocko's injuries suggested "intentional harm," disputing the argument put forward by Payne's legal team that the puppy had sustained his injuries as a result of Payne performing CPR after his pet had developed breathing difficulties.

The puppy had been seen at the vet three days before for his vaccinations and was reported to be bright, alert and responsive. When interviewed under caution at a police station by inspector Dingley, Payne answered no comment to all questions. Payne had been remanded in custody since the conclusion of the trial.

Speaking after today's hearing, inspector Dingley said: "I will never be able to comprehend what happened to Rocko and why such a young animal was treated in such a cruel way. This investigation will stay with me forever, but I'm pleased that we were able to get some justice for this little puppy, and I think the long custodial sentence reflects the gravity of this case."

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating, releasing and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please donate online or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.

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Lifetime ban for Durham man who abused his pets

Katie Court — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

A man from Durham has been given an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, and disqualified from keeping animals for life after he admitted attacking a puppy and five cats.

Dominic Jackson pleaded guilty to inflicting blunt force trauma and physical violence on his pets after he was prosecuted by the RSPCA following reports he had been seen kicking cats.

Jackson was handed the suspended prison sentence and lifetime ban at a sentencing hearing at Peterlee Magistrates Court on 1 November.

The court heard how RSPCA inspectors Rowena Proctor and Heidi Cleaver had visited Jackson's home on 28 January this year to find a number of animals living in poor conditions.

In her evidence, inspector Proctor said: "The living room smelled strongly of cat urine and was unclean throughout with very dirty litter trays. Several of the cats appeared to be very underweight and one cat in particular was of major concern. I spotted her lying on the top of a tall corner and she looked to be dead.

"I was eventually able to reach up to get hold of the cat who thankfully was still alive but appeared weak and lethargic. Her name was Missy and she was the skinniest of all of the cats."

The animals - five cats called Missy, Toby, Tabby, Felix and Simba, and a crested gecko called Bumblebee - were taken straight for veterinary treatment and later seized by the police as evidence. The vet said all of the cats were suffering and four of them were too thin, although they all made good weight gains with appropriate care in the weeks that followed.

Veterinary notes seen by the RSPCA during the investigation revealed how other pets previously belonging to Jackson - a guinea pig, a ferret, three cats called Tibby, BamBam and Bambi, a black terrier type puppy called Lulu and one unknown species of animal - had also sustained injuries or died without explanation or veterinary intervention.

Tibby was found to have sustained a broken back leg after reportedly falling off the bed when alone in the bedroom with Jackson and died. A ferret called Maggie and a guinea pig were said to have been found dead in their cages by the defendant, who claimed other cats had fallen down the stairs or been found dead behind the sofa. Lulu had suffered a head trauma but has since been rehomed by the RSPCA.

The court heard how Jackson had admitted punching Toby with a closed fist after he'd eaten another cat's food, resulting in the cat having to have his eye removed. He also said he had slapped Missy and Felix, but could offer no explanation as to why other animals had unexpectedly got injured or died.

Another vet who gave evidence as part of the case, said none of the animals were reported to have sustained accidental injuries such as road traffic accidents or falling from a significant height: "In my opinion, Missy, Toby, Felix, Simba and Tibby have all been caused to suffer as a consequence of physical abuse. Suffering will have been experienced by these animals via mechanisms of fear, distress and pain for variable periods of time.

"It's highly likely that the dog made known as Lulu was also caused to suffer as a consequence of physical abuse, although the details of the circumstances surrounding the injuries to this dog are not sufficient to draw this conclusion with surety."

Most of the animals removed from the property on 28 January were signed over to the RSPCA during the course of the investigation and have since been rehomed by the charity. A deprivation order made by the court will ensure any that still remain - or have been brought since - must be handed over and will be rehomed.

Magistrates gave Jackson eight weeks custody, suspended for two years, on each of the three offences to run concurrently. He was also given a lifetime disqualified order on keeping animals and told to pay £360 in costs and a victim surcharge of £154. In mitigation, he told the court he was vulnerable and suffering from poor mental health and repeatedly claimed that someone else was responsible for coming into the house and harming the animals.

Another defendant in the case, Laura Smith, was given a 12-month conditional discharge and banned from owning and keeping animals for one year at a hearing in September, after pleading guilty to one offence contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Speaking after the conclusion of the court hearing, inspector Proctor said: "This was an extremely upsetting and disturbing investigation as it became clear during the course of our enquiries that a large number of animals had suffered neglect and deliberate cruelty at the hands of Jackson. He had a duty of care towards his pets but instead inflicted violence and injuries."

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating, releasing and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please donate online or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.

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RSPCA launches rehoming campaign to help find outdoor homes for nervous cats in the South West

Your Pets Daily Editor — Sat, 07 Aug 2021 11:21:02 +0000

The RSPCA has launched a new rehoming campaign to help find alternative homes for 'farm cats' in the South West who prefer the great outdoors.

The project aims to find homes for farm cats and other nervous felines who need less human interaction than a typical domestic cat. The aim of the project is to educate the public that not every feline is happy to be a lap cat and to find outdoorsy homes for these cats much more quickly.

Farm cats are often nervous around people but still need someone to provide food, water, shelter and veterinary care when needed. As the name suggests, they would most likely be best suited to a farm, smallholding, or riding stables but some have even found quirky homes such as a model village, an orchard and a gazebo company.

Potential owners don't necessarily need to have a farm or riding stable to rehome a cat who enjoys the great outdoors, the charity is looking for homes of all different types to match the variety of different cats we have.

This International Cat Day (Sunday 8 August), the RSPCA reveals it rehomes over 20,000 cats a year and even during the pandemic, 18,274 cats were rehomed in 2020.

A recent survey* carried out by the RSPCA found that 90% of centres and branches find it harder to find suitable homes for outdoorsy cats than other, more sociable, cats.

Alice Potter, RSPCA's cat welfare expert, said: "One of the most interesting things about cats is just how varied each of them are. No one set home is going to fit all cats. Cats' personalities are a varied spectrum with an affectionate, lap cat, an 'inbetweener' cat who needs less but still some interaction, and all the way to a feral cat who will happily live independently from humans.

"There are all sorts of reasons why some cats need this type of lifestyle. They may have lived for a long time as a stray and aren't familiar or comfortable being close to people or it may relate to their early experiences or genetics. Whatever the reason, we try to find the perfect home for them.

"We know that our centres and branches often struggle to find homes for our farm or outdoor cats and often one of the reasons cited is that there is a lack of awareness amongst the general public that these cats exist and that they will be much happier living an outdoorsy lifestyle.

"Many people think of a cat curled up on the sofa, popping in and out of the cat flap for fuss but actually the kind of cats we're talking about here may never come inside the home, they may never come for fuss but they need someone to look out for them and provide them with year-round shelter such as a shed, barn, stable or even a treehouse where they can sleep at night. They'll also need constant access to water, to be fed daily and to receive veterinary care whenever needed.

"This is why we have launched this rehoming campaign for farm cats on International Cat Day to help raise awareness of the different homes these independent cats need."

Farm Cats in the South West

Hawkins is an eight-year-old black and white male cat who is looking for a home on a smallholding or farm ideally.

He will need understanding owners who will appreciate that he is very nervous and doesn't want fuss from people. He was rescued as a stray cat before coming into the care of RSPCA Little Valley Animal centre in Exeter so little is known about his past and whether he has lived in a home environment before. Therefore, it is possible he may come out of his shell and want some attention from his owner but is most likely to just enjoy the great outdoors.

Hawkins would be best suited to a home with adults and teenagers only. He would definitely need to be the only cat but may be able to cope with a cat-friendly dog. If you think you can offer this lovely boy the second chance at happiness that he deserves, please contact the branch on info@rspca-littlevalley.org.uk

Justin is a four year old cat who is also looking for a farm or smallholding home. He will need someone to provide food and shelter and allow him to come and go as he pleases. Initially he would need a secure barn to get used to his surroundings for a couple of weeks but the centre can help discuss suitable accommodation. Please contact the branch on info@rspca-littlevalley.org.uk to discuss further.

Hawkins and Justin are just two of several outdoorsy cats looking for homes at the branch so please do get in touch.

How to adopt a Farm Cat

Taking on a farm cat gives them a second chance in the type of home where they can live their best life. Seeing them roaming free, dozing in the sun and exploring to their heart's content can be really rewarding.

All the cats will be in good health, neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, where appropriate and treated for fleas and worms.

The minimum requirement for an adopter will be to provide a weatherproofed shelter, food and water at least daily and to keep an eye on the health of the cat and seek veterinary help when needed. They will also need access to land to roam, and vegetation such as woodland, fields or gardens.

As well as hoping to find homes for cats currently in their care, many RSPCA branches and centres aim to build-up a directory of potential adopters so that when a freedom feline comes into their care they can quickly rehome them without the stress of being confined in a cattery.

For more information on adopting a Farm Cat visit: https://www.rspca.org.uk/findapet/rehomeapet/process/rehomeacat/farmcat

A new filter has been added to the RSPCA's rehoming website so that potential owners can search for farm cats online, please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/findapet

To register your interest in becoming a farm cat adopter, contact your nearest centre or branch

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No fun of the fair: RSPCA urges councils to declare that pets aren't prizes

Your Pets Daily Editor — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 08:38:29 +0000

The RSPCA is calling for the giving of pets as prizes to be banned - and is urging local authorities across England and Wales to act to protect "misunderstood" goldfish.

As coronavirus restrictions continue to ease across England and Wales, the RSPCA fears that the "out-dated and cruel" spectre of pets being given away as prizes will return to fairgrounds as events resume in greater numbers.

Councils have been urged to take a lead on the issue - and ban any events on their land which give away pets as prizes.

Goldfish are the animal most commonly associated with prize-giving - and since 2015, the RSPCA has had 144 calls about goldfish and other aquatic animals being given as prizes, though reports have completely stalled since coronavirus restrictions were put in place and shows stopped taking place.

The charity now fears that - as fairgrounds and fetes return over the summer months - many goldfish will suffer as a consequence of being given away as a prize to unprepared new owners.

Supporters are being urged to write to their local Councillor, asking them to propose a Notice of Motion that would ban any events on local authority land where pets were being given away as prizes.

The RSPCA say this would send a "powerful statement" to both the UK Government and Welsh Government that pets being given away as prizes should be banned outright. They continue to urge prospective pet owners to thoroughly research adding an animal to their family before they acquire the animal - and say fish are often "misunderstood" as they can be hugely rewarding but challenging animals to look after.

Evangeline Button, from the RSPCA's wildlife department, said: "Fairgrounds are a summer family favourite - and we know many people will be delighted to see them return as coronavirus restrictions continue to be eased.

"But sadly, it's still too often commonplace to see pets - mainly goldfish - being given away as prizes. This remains legal in both England and Wales - but for the animals involved, there is no fun at the fair.

"Animal ownership is a big responsibility - and shouldn't be a spur of the moment result of winning a game. To those playing - if you win, they lose.

"Goldfish are easily stressed and very often, fish that are won as prizes suffer miserably from shock, oxygen starvation or die from changes in water temperature, and many will die before their new owners can even get them home. They're misunderstood pets - as they can make great companions; but can actually be challenging to look after and new owners must do their research before they acquire the fish, not afterwards. When bringing a fish home for the first time, it's important to set the tank up at least two weeks in advance to make sure it's all running smoothly, and this just isn't possible for someone who's won a fish without being prepared for it.

"Sadly, goldfish won at fairgrounds are held in plastic bags in unsuitable conditions for long durations and taken to homes which are not adequately prepared to meet their welfare needs. It should be candy floss people take home from the fair - not live animals.

"That's why we want local authorities across England and Wales to ban the giving of pets as prizes on their land, taking the lead to consign this out-dated and cruel practice of giving pets as prizes to the history books."

A number of local authorities have already taken action - and Caerphilly County Borough Council was one of the first in 2019, following concerns raised about fish being given away as prizes at the Morgan Jones Park Fair in the South Wales town.
Cllr James Pritchard, who spearheaded a ban in Caerphilly, said: "People I spoke to in Caerphilly were aghast the practice of giving pets as prizes isn't already banned - so it was really important for me to work with the RSPCA to deliver this change. Here in Caerphilly, I'm proud we have now taken a firm stand and used the power at our disposal, and also urged the Welsh Government to deliver change in this area across Wales."

Giving goldfish as prizes can cause serious welfare issues. Many will die before getting back to their new homes, or shortly after; and winning any animal through a game actively encourages owners to take on pets spontaneously without thinking it through - often with disastrous consequences.

In April 2019, a man filmed himself swallowing a live goldfish that he had won at a Somerset fairground the previous year. The fish had been won as a prize at the fairground prior to the incident, which was filmed and reported to the RSPCA to investigate. Following the case, the local council was inundated with requests asking them to ban the practice of giving live animals as prizes on Council land.

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RSPCA campaigns for a change in the law to help the charity rehome neglected and abused animals

Your Pets Daily Editor — Wed, 05 May 2021 06:35:34 +0000

The RSPCA is calling for a new animal welfare law which will give animals involved in legal proceedings in the South West the chance to be rehomed much more quickly.

Currently, some neglected and abused pets which are rescued by the RSPCA as part of an investigation cannot be rehomed until the case itself has completed, which sadly means some animals can wait months and even years before finding their second chance.

As part of its Second Chances campaign, the charity is calling for a change in the law which would mean an animal’s future is no longer dependent on court proceedings. A new animal welfare law allowing the charity to rehome an animal following a two-month appeal process would mean the RSPCA can give those pets the forever home they deserve much more quickly rather than waiting for lengthy court cases to conclude.

In 2019, the RSPCA rehomed over 100 animals a day (39,000) - 7,024 in the South West - and around a quarter of these animals were in our care as a result of an investigation. The charity also spent £4.9m in costs for animals involved in prosecutions in 2019.

Shelley Phillips, Senior Campaigns Manager at the RSPCA, said: “Our animal care staff go to great lengths to make sure all the animals in our rescue centres get the care and attention they need and are treated as if they were their own pets but a rescue centre can never substitute the comfort and security of a permanent home with loving owners.

“We know that spending extended periods of time in kennels and temporary accommodation can impact an animal’s psychological welfare. This is particularly true for puppies which are at a critical stage of their development and we are seeing increasing numbers of puppies coming into our care as part of our investigation work.

“This is why we are urging the Governments in England and Wales to make a change in the law which would allow us to rehome a pet after two-months, similar to what has also been proposed in Scotland with the SSPCA.”

Kirsteen Campbell, chief executive of the Scottish SPCA, said: “The introduction of the Animals & Wildlife (Scotland) Act 2020 will be transformational for animal welfare in Scotland as it allows harsher penalties for those found guilty of the worst types of animal welfare offences, and for the ability to rehome animals seized on welfare grounds after three weeks.

“Seeing the tangible benefits this will bring for animal welfare in Scotland, we fully support the positive changes being championed by the RSPCA, our animal welfare partner doing great work in England and Wales. It would be fantastic to see the UK Government follow the Scottish Government’s lead in freeing up vital resources for the RSPCA at a time when they are needed as much as ever.”

Studies using dogs kennelled for a variety of reasons have shown that many animals find kennel life challenging and dogs can show considerable physiological and behavioural distress. Research has also found that for dogs neither bred nor raised in kennels the transition is especially stressful.

Dr Sam Gaines, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “Sadly, our welfare teams are frequently required to deal with behavioural problems in dogs due to spending long periods in kennels. Some dogs may show their frustration by barking or whining while others will hide away and despite the best efforts of our animal care staff this can have a long-term impact on their wellbeing. Some may even display repetitive or compulsive behaviours which require medication and behavioural treatment.

“The RSPCA goes to great lengths to provide a stable environment for all the pets in our care and work hard to rehabilitate those dogs who struggle with kennel life but we feel that these issues could often be avoided if the animals were rehomed much more quickly.”

Case study

A 13-year-old dog called Molly (below) was rescued by the RSPCA after she was covered in sores and scabs from a severe skin disease which had left her completely hairless. She came into RSPCA care in March 2020 and following the conclusion of her case, as well as some extensive treatment, she was available to rehome in January 2021 and adopted in Devon shortly afterwards.

Regional rehoming statistics

SOUTH WEST - 2019

County	Dog	Cat	Rabbit	Other
Berkshire	0	98	28	2
Bristol	153	229	24	117
Buckinghamshire	93	835	104	133
Cornwall	54	128	6	26
Devon	104	344	71	155
Dorset	64	244	49	209
Gloucestershire	116	155	5	0
Hampshire	196	419	50	206
Herefordshire	32	32	3	9
Isle of Wight	73	132	40	76
Oxfordshire	13	34	40	0
Somerset	455	976	43	163
Worcestershire	39	373	32	42

The RSPCA is asking animal lovers to take action and let the UK and Welsh Governments know that case animals deserve a happy ending. To support this campaign, visit: https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/animalrehoming

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