0:00:04 > 0:00:06Britain's animals are under threat.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09All too often our wildlife and domestic pets
0:00:09 > 0:00:13are the victims of cruelty, persecution and neglect.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Fighting to save them is a dedicated band of people
0:00:16 > 0:00:19trying to protect and care for them right around the clock.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22This is Animal 24:7.
0:00:41 > 0:00:47In the air, on land and in the water, Britain is a haven for animals.
0:00:47 > 0:00:52When they come up against man, their lives are often in danger.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55From our cramped inner cities, to our fields and hedgerows,
0:00:55 > 0:00:58from the highest moorland, to the coast and beyond,
0:00:58 > 0:01:02Animal 24:7 is with the people working around the clock
0:01:02 > 0:01:05to save endangered wildlife and protect vulnerable pets.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08These are their stories.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Today, on Animal 24:7.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Buster, the puppy crippled by cruelty.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21- I threw him towards the doorway, and he banged into the door.- Right.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24We need to get that dog to a vet, get it some pain relief, if nothing else.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29Abandoned by their mum, the prickly squatters living in a garage.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33This is very unusual, I've never seen them nest like this before.
0:01:33 > 0:01:39And seconds out, we go a few rounds with Rocky, the 16ft python.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43Never turn your back on one and never ever think you know everything about it
0:01:43 > 0:01:46- because that's the day it's going to bite you.- Great, OK.
0:01:49 > 0:01:55But we start with the story of Buster, a young dog subjected to cruelty by his owner.
0:01:55 > 0:02:00Buster is just part of a surge in the number of cases of cruelty and neglect in Britain.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05Some owners treat cruelty so lightly they don't even turn up at court to face the charges.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09But the RSPCA won't let them get away with it.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22This is what can happen if you ignore a prosecution brought by the RSPCA.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29I'm PC Acres, I am from Ashton-under-Lyne police station. You are under arrest.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- For what? - You don't have to say anything...
0:02:31 > 0:02:35This man has been found guilty in his absence of cruelty to his dog.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38The court has now issued a warrant for his arrest.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40You're making my kids cry.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44The owner is a single parent and he's worried about his children.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48It's a distressing situation for everyone involved.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53But for RSPCA inspector Vicki McDonald it could easily have been avoided.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56If he had turned up at court, we wouldn't have had this trouble.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58His kids wouldn't have had to go through this upset.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02He wouldn't have to go through this. He knew when he needed to be there.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07The story started five and a half months earlier.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12The RSPCA received an anonymous tip-off about a lame puppy.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14Is he known to you?
0:03:14 > 0:03:18On the this first visit, Vicki arrives with the support of the police.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- Hiya, are you Johnny? - Yeah, what's this about?
0:03:36 > 0:03:38I've had a call about a dog at the property.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Someone's a bit concerned about a dog.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- Can I just come through?- Yeah. - Cheers. Thank you.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- Can I go in there?- Yes.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53The dog is a seven-month old Staffordshire bull terrier called Buster.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58Straight away, it's clear he's in pain and his owner admits he has hit him.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02About three days ago the dog went for my youngest son.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06And erm... I smacked him for it.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09I immediately regretted doing that, but...
0:04:09 > 0:04:11I also knew I couldn't let him snap at my baby.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13My son's four years old.
0:04:13 > 0:04:19Even if Buster did growl at his son, this is no excuse for throwing him across a room.
0:04:19 > 0:04:25You know, there's me who lives here, my two sons. One of my sons is at school, and I take him to school.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28The dog is in a caring and loving home.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33Somebody has said to me that the dog has received injuries as a result of
0:04:33 > 0:04:37something that you've done and now isn't able to balance on its legs.
0:04:37 > 0:04:44He can balance on his legs. It's obvious that he's in a bit of discomfort, I appreciate that.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49Is this since you told him off, he's had this injury on his leg, is it?
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Yes, it is.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- Has the dog been to the vet for this?- No, not yet.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58OK, I'm going to caution you, so you do not have to say anything,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned
0:05:01 > 0:05:06- something which you later rely on in court. Are you going to give me permission to take the dog?- Yes.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09Let me record this conversation in my notebook.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11This is a clear case of cruelty.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15Under caution, Vicki asks Buster's owner to explain exactly what has happened.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18This will be used as evidence.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21Just so that the vet knows, how did the dog received the injury?
0:05:21 > 0:05:25Was it from being thrown across the room?
0:05:25 > 0:05:28It wasn't like a throw across the room.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- I threw it towards the doorway area and he banged against the door. - Right.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36Can you just initial your answers on here for me?
0:05:36 > 0:05:40You've answered 'yes' that you understand the caution there. You can read through it.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43Buster is only seven months old.
0:05:43 > 0:05:49Being thrown across the room has left him in agony and struggling to walk. But that's not all.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53For such a young dog, there are also some worrying scars on his head.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56Vicki is now extremely concerned about his welfare.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03The pup's clearly got injuries, hasn't it?
0:06:03 > 0:06:08Its really uncomfortable on its back-end, there.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10It's got some old injury.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14That's not just a cut its received on its head, the skull is lumpy there.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18We need to get that dog to a vet, get it examined, get it X-rayed.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21At least get it some pain relief, if nothing else.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Come on, then, you.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33Here you go. I think I'll carry you to the van, to be honest.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35Save you walking.
0:06:35 > 0:06:36Come on, then, poppet.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44OK, I'll be back in touch with you later. All right?
0:06:44 > 0:06:46All right. See you.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52Vicki now needs to prove that it's this man's actions that have caused Buster's lameness.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55She's taking the dog to the vet.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58His findings will be crucial in any prosecution.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00It's so sore, his back-end.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03We'll get you sorted.
0:07:03 > 0:07:08Buster will now remain in the RSPCA's care until the outcome of the court case.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12But, whatever happens, he's unlikely ever to come back to his owner.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26Still to come, the vet's examinations reveal a worrying problem for Buster.
0:07:26 > 0:07:31His mind isn't telling him that his foot's in that position and that he needs to correct it.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34We'll just see what the X-rays tell us.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37And me, scared of snakes?
0:07:37 > 0:07:41I help move Rocky, the 16ft python, to a new home.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43That is one big snake, isn't it?
0:07:43 > 0:07:47What a weight, what a weight!
0:07:50 > 0:07:54Most of the time, wild animals keep a safe distance from people.
0:07:54 > 0:08:01But, sometimes, they seem to want to get up close and personal, making homes in more unusual settings.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04It could be a bird in your chimneypot or a mouse in your house.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09Both typical of how creatures creep into our domestic lives.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13These are not the only places where animals make themselves at home.
0:08:17 > 0:08:23Animal rescuer Trevor Weeks is well used to finding animals in unusual places.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25But sometimes even he's surprised.
0:08:25 > 0:08:30- Oh, wow, they've got a nice nest there, haven't they?- My daughter's been looking after them.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35He's at a house in Sussex, where a family of hedgehogs have made their home in a cupboard.
0:08:35 > 0:08:36This is very unusual.
0:08:36 > 0:08:41I've never seen them nest in a cupboard like this before.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43They're nice and warm.
0:08:43 > 0:08:44They're gorgeous little things.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48For homeowner Paula Bond, their arrival also came as something of a shock.
0:08:48 > 0:08:55My brother was actually putting some stuff in here, and he moved a jacket, and it was a bit heavy.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58As he lifted it, a couple of the babies fell out of the arm.
0:08:58 > 0:09:03So, what we did was we picked up the jacket, popped it in the cupboard.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08Since then, the mum comes down the ramp we made, she disappears for the night and comes back in the morning.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12The hedgehog family have been enjoying the Bonds' hospitality,
0:09:12 > 0:09:14but last night their bedding was changed
0:09:14 > 0:09:16and now Mother has disappeared.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18I'm going to leave them here for the moment
0:09:18 > 0:09:20and see what happens.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24I think revisit them later and see if they start wandering.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28I think we'll keep a close eye on these for the next 12 to 24 hours
0:09:28 > 0:09:34and if Mum does abandon them, we'll have to bring them in and make sure they get a good meal and a good feed.
0:09:34 > 0:09:39Paula's daughter has been feeding them milk and bread, but this isn't recommended.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42My daughter was trying to help.
0:09:42 > 0:09:48The wives' tale say bread and milk, but unfortunately it is not very good, I'm afraid.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52Trevor leaves out a plate of cat food instead.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58That's nice and moist, anyway.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02That might even encourage Mum up, as well.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07We don't really want to give her more than 24 hours without coming back.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09So, if I can
0:10:09 > 0:10:12ask you to keep an eye on them tonight,
0:10:12 > 0:10:17and then if they start calling, or start wandering,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20give us a ring and they'll have to come in.
0:10:20 > 0:10:26- I'm quite happy to come back at about 11 o'clock tonight.- That's fine.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29And have a look and check them, see if they're getting cold.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34Because if they don't eat, they may get cold and then they'll have to come in anyway.
0:10:35 > 0:10:42With the the baby hedgehogs safe for now, Trevor leaves Paula with the prickly problem of monitoring them.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46He heads off to another creature that's gate-crashed its way into a home nearby.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49This time, it's a bat in a bungalow.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Hello there, Wildlife Rescue.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- Hello.- You've got a little bat for us to look at?
0:10:55 > 0:11:00I was just clearing up before it rained and noticed the little chap on the ground.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- He was down on some rubble, covered in cobwebs.- Oh, dear.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06I thought it was dead, actually.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10Then my husband had a look and picked it up and it moved.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13It needs feeding. We've been feeding it house flies.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18OK. He's nice and lively, as well, so he's not too weak.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23I can see the bottom part of his body is very thin.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28With no obvious signs of what's causing the bat to be so thin, Trevor opts for a second opinion.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30I think what I'm going to do
0:11:30 > 0:11:33is let the experts deal with this and let them assess him.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35I'm not going to stress him out trying to do it myself.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37Let's get you into here.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42With the bat losing weight and unable to fly, its prospects don't look good.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45It's going to need careful handling if it is going to survive.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Trevor takes it to expert Jenny Clark.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51She has 25 years' experience of handling bats.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Right, we've got a little bat for you.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55I'm just going to give him a drink
0:11:55 > 0:11:58before I examine him to make him more comfortable.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02Jenny confirms it's a pipistrelle bat and is severely undernourished.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05Bats get dehydrated very quickly.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07They've got such a large skin area.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12Is that better?
0:12:12 > 0:12:14That's enough for the moment.
0:12:14 > 0:12:15After a drink, a closer inspection
0:12:15 > 0:12:19reveals this bat may have been deliberately attacked.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23Here we go. We have a bit of tattered membrane
0:12:23 > 0:12:27and a tiny hole which is usually Mr Cat.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31That will be the problem why the bat is unable to fly.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35I would suggest that Mr Cat has been lying in wait for Bat
0:12:35 > 0:12:38when it came down to drink,
0:12:38 > 0:12:40put out its delicate little paw and tossed it.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42The membrane is ripped.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46The skirmish has also damaged the bat's fur coat.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50Jenny will have to clean this up to enable it to grow back healthily.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53There we go. We're getting there.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58Now, a bat who has a matted coat won't survive long.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02It can't control his body temperature. This will soon grow.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06The bad will comb it and that'll be fluffed up in no time.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08Next comes the delicate operation
0:13:08 > 0:13:11of clearing dead tissue from the damaged wing.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14I'm just looking at the edge of the membrane
0:13:14 > 0:13:17for any dried necrotic tissue.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21There's a little bit which has to be removed.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26There we go. There's a little bit on that edge I've taken off there.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32That's healthy tissue. That's all healthy. That's good.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37Then, Jenny uses her expert knowledge of bats to persuade this one to take his medicine.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39We have to use a bit of guile.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44If we stroke the forehead, and the little mouth opens.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46Let's get the tissue out of the way. There we are. Open up.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Open wide, that's it.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50And we put a bit on the back teeth.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53There you go. That wasn't so bad, was it?
0:13:53 > 0:13:55Eat it up. Good batty.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59He is then carefully put into a padded box
0:13:59 > 0:14:03where the inside of an oven glove will serve as his temporary home.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06The membrane should mend within two months, hopefully.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10Then, when he's the right weight, and with a mended membrane,
0:14:10 > 0:14:13I shall fly him in the sitting room.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16And I may have to fly him over a period of a week or two
0:14:16 > 0:14:19every other day to build up his strength and stamina,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22then can be released. Hopefully.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24It's a successful rescue
0:14:24 > 0:14:27and if anyone can give this bat a brighter future, it's Jenny.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35Coming up...
0:14:35 > 0:14:37Oh.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40..one of the baby hedgehogs makes a run for it.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Hello, you.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44There's number six.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49And Buster, the injured puppy, shows signs of a troubled past.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52He appears to have had several injuries.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56For seven months old, I think he's been very unlucky.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04Rescuing unwanted pets isn't always about cute cats and dogs.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07With a 20% increase in the number of people owning exotic pets,
0:15:07 > 0:15:12call-outs concerning more dangerous animals are on the rise.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16In Essex, a 16ft python is looking for a new home.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19So this job is going to need a special kind of person,
0:15:19 > 0:15:22brave enough to take on the fight.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33This is Rocky, weighing in at 100lbs and 16ft in length.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36She's a real heavyweight champion.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Rocky is a 20-year-old Burmese python
0:15:40 > 0:15:43and the prized pet of Keith Ramsey.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47But, in recent years, she's become too hot to handle.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50How come you've got such a big snake in your garage?
0:15:50 > 0:15:53It came with the wife, actually.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58We met about 18 years ago and she already had the snake which then,
0:15:58 > 0:16:00I guess, was about three years old.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04Years ago, when it was younger, it was easy to handle.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06My children used to play with it.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07It was great fun.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12In recent years, due to the size, we just have become very wary,
0:16:12 > 0:16:18I think, of the dangers of handling such a large reptile.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21So, Rocky hasn't had much human contact in recent years?
0:16:21 > 0:16:24Not in the last four or five years, no.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26You've become a bit nervous of something that big?
0:16:26 > 0:16:27I think so. Yes.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32Keith is now moving to Spain.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34So Rocky needs a new keeper.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Who's prepared to go a few rounds with this champion,
0:16:37 > 0:16:41who's so big she's not been handled for almost five years?
0:16:43 > 0:16:47Enter dangerous and wild animal rescuer, Ian Newby.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- So you've got a bit of kit in here? - Yes. Just a box.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55That's very large Tupperware you've got there.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- I'm not sure it's big enough.- Really? - Really.- We might need a bigger box.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02In Ian's corner today is Sam Heals.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06It's just as well. Ian is punching well above his weight.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09The Burmese python is one of the biggest snakes in the world
0:17:09 > 0:17:12and it's capable of crushing a man to death.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16Ian's come prepared for a fight with Rocky.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21- She's not venomous, is she?- No. - But a bite can still be a fairly unpleasant experience?
0:17:21 > 0:17:25Very unpleasant. A snake this size, it will be like a punch.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27You'll feel the force of somebody punching you.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32Attach, then, 30 or 40 teeth, straight into your arm or shoulder,
0:17:32 > 0:17:35face, or whatever, and it will hurt.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37And the teeth are going to be a centimetre long.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41If she holds on, and tries to coil round,
0:17:41 > 0:17:46that's why you should never handle snakes over 10ft long on your own.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50Even if you are experienced, always make sure there's someone else that can actually help you.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53So the idea is that if it starts wrapping itself round you,
0:17:53 > 0:17:57Sam is going to be the one that's going to uncoil? Is that right, Sam?
0:17:57 > 0:18:02Yeah, we don't mind the little ones, it's the big ones that are the problem. It could be interesting.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- You haven't seen it.- I haven't.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08So you may as well have a look and then we'll try to catch her and bring her out.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13Ian's ready, so it's time to finally meet his opponent.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- Good Lord!- First impressions?
0:18:18 > 0:18:22I have to say the word monstrous springs to mind. Monstrously large.
0:18:22 > 0:18:28Only when you feel the power of something that size do you really get respect for them.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33Never turn your back on one and never think you know everything because that's the day it'll bite.
0:18:33 > 0:18:38Well, if I wasn't on edge already, I think you've certainly put me on edge now. That's great. OK.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43I'm going to make myself scarce, I think. Head up to the other end. Watch from a safe distance.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- Good luck, Sam.- OK, if you go over this side, the door opens this way.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50The problem with this is really the unpredictability.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53It can go to ways and they're very different.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57Either very docile, or very aggressive.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- I'm gonna go for this.- Go on, then.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- Just stand back a little bit. - Give you some space.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04See what kind of reaction I get.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Seconds out, round one.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10Ian softens up his opponent with careful use of his hook.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13All right, there. There you go.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17And it seems to work. Rocky doesn't fight back.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Right, Sam.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- We're on our own. All right?- OK.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25Carefully does it.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27It's round one to Ian.
0:19:27 > 0:19:28Hang on, I'll put her over my shoulder.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31But Rocky looks like she's about to strike.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33Hang on a second, Sam.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39Calm down, fella. That's it. Let's go.
0:19:39 > 0:19:44I keep well back as the fight moves outside to the car park.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46Have you got the tail-end, Tom?
0:19:50 > 0:19:53That is one big snake, isn't it?
0:19:55 > 0:19:57What a weight, what a weight!
0:19:59 > 0:20:02There's a good lad.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05It's between my legs.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09There we go.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12Wow!
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- It's a lot bigger than I thought it was.- Really?
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Yeah, but she's lovely condition, isn't she?
0:20:20 > 0:20:22- She's doing really good. - Gorgeous girl.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Hello, darling. Is this your first time out in a few years?
0:20:25 > 0:20:32She is absolutely beautiful but I have to say, as her tail whips round between my legs,
0:20:32 > 0:20:34still a little bit unnerving.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37That is gorgeous.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40Now Ian needs to keep her calm for the journey back to DWARF,
0:20:40 > 0:20:45and he's got just the thing - a good old-fashioned duvet cover.
0:20:45 > 0:20:46King-size, of course.
0:20:46 > 0:20:47Are you in?
0:20:47 > 0:20:54I always thought getting a quilt into one of these things was tricky. It's nothing compared to this.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- Just twist that. There's a cable tie there.- Tight?- Yeah.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03And, in a break with tradition, Ian decides to have a weigh-in after the fight.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07Very heavy shoes, you understand, that's why it says 14 stone.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09It's not me, of course. Right, let's give it a go.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13And it's time to find out who the real heavyweight is.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17If we pass that over your shoulder, tell me when you're ready.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20Are you ready? We'll let go. You're there.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- It's gone right round, it makes it one stone.- Your legs are buckling.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29Minus my weight, Rocky weighs in at a massive 7.5 stone.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34It's just beginning to wriggle in the bag. I think it's warming up!
0:21:34 > 0:21:35It's time I put my load down.
0:21:35 > 0:21:40So far, Ian's proved more than a match for Rocky but it's crunch time.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Will we need a bigger box?
0:21:44 > 0:21:46I don't think she'll go in.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Yeah, she will. I'm not going to put the lid on.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Yeah, she'll be in.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52She's squeezed in?
0:21:52 > 0:21:58Yeah, she'll just manoeuvre herself round to a comfortable position now. There we are.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02So with Rocky squeezed into the box, it's time for us to leave,
0:22:02 > 0:22:06and this ordinary suburban house is her new home - DWARF HQ.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Ian rescues all manner of wild and dangerous animals
0:22:09 > 0:22:14and keeps them in his specially adapted backyard until they can be found a new owner.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19- There's a good girl.- Now it's time to get our new guest settled in.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- Are we feeding her into her new home?- Yeah, next two or three feet.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- OK, do you want to...? - There she goes.- How are we doing?
0:22:26 > 0:22:27That's about half of her.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31I've already fed in quite a few feet and there's more to go yet!
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- There's a bit more to come.- This is a perfect halfway house for Rocky
0:22:35 > 0:22:41but Ian's confident he will soon be able to find this heavyweight champ a new permanent home.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44I shouldn't have a problem finding her a good home.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47She's such good condition, she's a gorgeous animal.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50There are people that do care for these animals.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52She's really exploring her new surroundings.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56Every log and ledge is getting slithered over to check it out.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59And it is mesmerising to watch.
0:23:04 > 0:23:10Still to come: Trevor decides whether these baby hedgehogs can survive without mum.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13This is a really difficult one to call, to be honest.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15They're still nicely cuddled up together.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17They may well survive the night.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23Now back to the story of Buster.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25Buster is a seven-month-old puppy
0:23:25 > 0:23:27who's in pain and struggling to walk.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32His owner has already admitted throwing him across a room after he growled at his son.
0:23:32 > 0:23:37Now RSPCA inspector Vicki McDonald is taking the young dog to the vet's
0:23:37 > 0:23:40to see what damage has been caused.
0:23:45 > 0:23:51In Bury, Manchester RSPCA inspector Vicki McDonald arrives at the vet's.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55She's hoping they'll explain why Buster is struggling to walk
0:23:55 > 0:23:58and why he's covered in worrying scars.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Hello!
0:24:01 > 0:24:03Despite being frightened and in pain,
0:24:03 > 0:24:08Buster remains good natured and is happy to be carried around.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Are you being a good boy?
0:24:12 > 0:24:17Vet Gus McKenzie has prepared a room for the injured puppy and is ready to check him over.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- Hiya.- How are you doing?
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Not bad.
0:24:22 > 0:24:23Who have we got here?
0:24:23 > 0:24:26This is Buster.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30He's come from a property where the owner has admitted
0:24:30 > 0:24:34that he threw him across the room after an incident.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38He's been thrown about seven foot, landing on a door.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40By the door or against the door?
0:24:40 > 0:24:46He says he's hit the door. In what way, I'm not entirely sure, but he's landed on the door.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50He's been lame ever since. He said he woke up yesterday and was particularly worried about it
0:24:50 > 0:24:52and thought he should take him to a vet.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Any idea what time he threw the dog?
0:24:54 > 0:24:57Don't know as yet, I've only done a brief interview with him.
0:24:57 > 0:25:03But certainly when we arrived, the dog was laying down and had a lot of difficulty walking.
0:25:03 > 0:25:08He's choosing to sit down on his back end, rather than be up on it.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12And has he made any comment about the scar on top of his head here?
0:25:12 > 0:25:15He says that the scar on the head was a cut
0:25:15 > 0:25:20the dog received some time ago and then the dog was scratching at it.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25It almost looks like it could be some sort of a scald injury, that,
0:25:25 > 0:25:30but I think it's an old injury. I don't think it's related to this episode.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34And we see there's a small cut on his left leg.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36That looks about two days old.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41It doesn't look like it's a big problem, it's healed over all right.
0:25:41 > 0:25:42Good boy.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45After checking all of Buster's scars,
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Gus wants to see how he walks,
0:25:48 > 0:25:52but the young dog can only manage a few short steps. The vet has seen enough.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Yeah, sore in his left hind leg, isn't he?
0:25:55 > 0:25:59- Yeah.- Probably both, actually, but he's more painful on his left.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03Good lad, come this way. He'd rather be sitting down.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05That's the thing.
0:26:05 > 0:26:12Even though he's uncomfortable, Buster never once growls and is still desperate for attention.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15Are you a good boy? Who's a brave soldier?!
0:26:15 > 0:26:19Gus wants to know how anyone could ignore his pain.
0:26:19 > 0:26:24There's some...justification, if a dog actually attacks one's child,
0:26:24 > 0:26:27that your reaction would be to pick the dog up
0:26:27 > 0:26:29and throw it out of the way,
0:26:29 > 0:26:33but if it's lame like this, I would expect
0:26:33 > 0:26:36having sorted that problem out, to then seek veterinary advice.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40So it depends what sort of injuries we've got here and whether it's
0:26:40 > 0:26:42reasonable not to have sought veterinary advice.
0:26:42 > 0:26:49Right, what I'm going to do now is assess whether there's any nervous damage to the hind legs.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53You can see he can wag his tail quite happily.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56Don't worry, I'm not going to cut his tail off.
0:26:56 > 0:26:57I just want to see if he can feel this,
0:26:59 > 0:27:01any reaction at the front end there?
0:27:01 > 0:27:05Buster can sense his tail and back feet being squeezed.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08So he can definitely feel that.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11He also reacts to a needle being pricked in his back.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14He can actually feel that needle prick.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17This means there isn't significant nerve damage to his spine.
0:27:17 > 0:27:22I think what is interesting is he's allowed me to squeeze his toes
0:27:22 > 0:27:27with a pair of scissors and his tail and stick needles into them.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30He's shown not the slightest bit of aggression,
0:27:30 > 0:27:32so whether or not, you know...
0:27:32 > 0:27:38what the score was with him apparently going for the child, I don't know.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43So far Gus's examinations aren't showing any nerve damage.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46What they are showing is Buster is a good-natured dog.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49You don't seem to be too bothered.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53- Still wagging.- Still wagging his tail.- Who's a good boy?
0:27:53 > 0:27:57But then Gus performs some simple tests on his back feet
0:27:57 > 0:27:59and they reveal a worrying problem.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01See, when I turn it,
0:28:01 > 0:28:04he's snapping that straight into position.
0:28:04 > 0:28:09Whereas with that one, he's not.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12That means the nervous pathways aren't working properly.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16His mind isn't telling him that his foot's in that position
0:28:16 > 0:28:18and that he needs to correct it.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22- We'll just see what the X-rays tell us.- Good boy.
0:28:22 > 0:28:27Buster is sedated and anaesthetised ready for his X-rays.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31Then Vicki spots yet another old wound.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34I've found a stitch still in him here
0:28:34 > 0:28:38and you can actually see a faint line running down here,
0:28:38 > 0:28:43which suggests that he has, for some reason, had an operation before.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47Two things I'd be interested to know, why has he, what was it for?
0:28:47 > 0:28:54But also, it goes to show that if this is some surgery he's had whilst in the care of this man,
0:28:54 > 0:28:59this man has the knowledge that veterinary treatment is at times necessary.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03And a closer examination reveals even more scars on Buster's body.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05He's got further grazing here.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09Vicki takes photographs. These will form evidence for the court case.
0:29:09 > 0:29:16He appears to...to have had several...several injuries,
0:29:16 > 0:29:21yeah, for seven months old, I think he's been very unlucky.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25It's just establishing exactly how unlucky, isn't it?
0:29:27 > 0:29:32This job has suddenly become much more complicated than first thought
0:29:32 > 0:29:36and Gus still needs to know what's causing his lameness.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Difficult on examination to say
0:29:39 > 0:29:43whether there's going to be any fractures there or not.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47It could be simply muscular but X-rays will tell us.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56Coming up: Buster's owner is finally brought to justice.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59I don't want to be filmed.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01This is the actual warrant here.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08Earlier in the programme, animal rescuer Trevor Weekes
0:30:08 > 0:30:12was called to some baby hedgehogs living in a garage cupboard.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15It seemed like their mother had abandoned them.
0:30:15 > 0:30:20Trevor left the babies with food and water and promised to return later,
0:30:20 > 0:30:22giving their mum a chance to come back.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32It's almost 11pm in Sussex and Trevor Weekes is back at Paula Bond's garage.
0:30:32 > 0:30:37He wants to know if mother hedgehog has returned to her babies.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44OK...well, the food hasn't been touched.
0:30:44 > 0:30:49Trevor's attempt to lure her back with a plate of free food hasn't worked.
0:30:49 > 0:30:54Now, with the babies potentially at risk, he has a tough choice to make.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57This is difficult to call, to be honest.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59The food hasn't been touched
0:30:59 > 0:31:02but they're still nicely cuddled up together
0:31:02 > 0:31:04and they're still nice and warm.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08They may well survive the night, I think.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11The fact that they're not moving at all as yet,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14nothing has come back to look at the food at all
0:31:14 > 0:31:16but they're not calling.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19You know, they're nicely curled up together.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24I would have expected Mum to have come back, eaten the food and the youngsters to be OK.
0:31:24 > 0:31:30Although there's no sign of the mother, Trevor decides to give her one final chance to return.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35Abandoned youngsters are normally calling and wandering around
0:31:35 > 0:31:39and that clearly isn't what we've got here.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42I really don't want to bring them in unless I absolutely have to
0:31:42 > 0:31:47because quite often if a cat disturbs the nest, Mum will leave,
0:31:47 > 0:31:50to draw the attention away from where the youngsters are.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53But that's normally at the time of the disturbance,
0:31:53 > 0:31:55rather than this long afterwards.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00- I'm inclined to say we'll leave them and check on them again first thing in the morning.- OK.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02That's the best way forward.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Nine hours later and Trevor is back at the garage again.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13This time, though, there's been an unexpected development.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15Any sign of possible mum?
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- No but the food's all gone. - Right, OK.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20Oh, there has been some movement.
0:32:22 > 0:32:27The food has been eaten and there's evidence the young are starting to move around.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31The cat food is down onto the floor. We've got bedding down on the floor.
0:32:31 > 0:32:36The only thing that concerns me is they're not as warm as yesterday.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39And one of the six babies has vanished.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42But as Trevor weighs up what to do, he hears a noise.
0:32:42 > 0:32:48- SQUEAKING - That is a bird outside, isn't it?
0:32:48 > 0:32:53- SQUEAKING - Ooh... Follow me.
0:32:53 > 0:32:58It's the missing baby - lost, distressed and calling for Mum.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02There's number six. I thought there were six last night and I could only count five.
0:33:02 > 0:33:07Then I heard some squeaking in the background and initially I thought that was a bird.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10And it's not, it's a little hedgehog.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13And then I looked out the garage and I could just about see him.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17That gives me a clear indication that these are probably abandoned,
0:33:17 > 0:33:22so I think I've now got the evidence and proof I need to bring them in.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24The babies are just a few weeks old
0:33:24 > 0:33:27and still reliant on their mother's milk.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31If Trevor left them, their chance of survival would be bleak.
0:33:31 > 0:33:37These animals probably would have a vitamin deficiency or nutritional problems if we left them
0:33:37 > 0:33:40and just kept putting food down for them.
0:33:40 > 0:33:45So I think we need to bring them in so they can begiven the care and treatment that Mum would give them.
0:33:45 > 0:33:51It's time for these babies to move out of their makeshift home.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55Come on then, you, little 'un. So in you go.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59The Bond family have done a good joblooking after them
0:33:59 > 0:34:02but now Paula has to say a reluctant goodbye.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06We've been checking them every evening, every morning, especially my daughter.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09She wanted to rear them herself now.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13But if they've got a good chance of surviving, it's better they've gone.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17The hedgehog hospital is just a short distance away
0:34:17 > 0:34:21and staff have been preparing for the new arrivals.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25Hedgehog specialist Melissa Fisk will now be their foster mum.
0:34:25 > 0:34:30OK, we've got six young hedgehogs. I think they're about four weeks old.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34I put some cat food in a dish and most was eaten in the night.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36Oh, excellent, that's good. OK, right.
0:34:36 > 0:34:41First, the hedgehogs are weighed and marked so their progress can be monitored.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45Right, so we just put a bit of colour on each one -
0:34:45 > 0:34:49this is non-toxic - so we know who's who and what the weight is, erm...
0:34:49 > 0:34:52Yeah, and if they need medicines.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56Yeah, that's a little boy.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59They look nice and healthy in themselves. They're nice and clean.
0:34:59 > 0:35:04Usually the flies will get to them and they'll sort of lay eggs in no time at all.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08We usually, you know, do get them in at this size where they've been covered in fly eggs.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12Looking after baby hedgehogs is much harder than people think.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16Hedgehogs have got so many illnesses that they can suffer from
0:35:16 > 0:35:21that if you don't know what you're looking at, an animal could go downhill quickly and then die.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24But luckily these youngsters were rescued just in time
0:35:24 > 0:35:27and now they're able to stay as a family group.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30I'll put them into their bed now. They're all weighed
0:35:30 > 0:35:32and we will get them into bed and get them some food and drink.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35The future for these looks good, yeah, hopeful.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40It doesn't look like there's anything obviously wrong with them, so just a case of building them up,
0:35:40 > 0:35:43monitoring their health and off they go in a couple of months
0:35:43 > 0:35:46We now know that these are definitely abandoned,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49so there isn't a mum out there looking and searching for them.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51And we know they'll be hand-reared properly.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54They will hopefully be nice and fit and healthy in a couple of months
0:35:54 > 0:35:58and can go back out to where they deserve to be, in the wild.
0:35:58 > 0:36:03Living in the garage may have been a case of cupboard love for these young orphans
0:36:03 > 0:36:07but the experts can give them the long-term specialist care they need
0:36:07 > 0:36:11and they'll be back in the wild very soon.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18Finally today, it's back to Bury in Greater Manchester,
0:36:18 > 0:36:23where RSPCA inspector Vicki McDonald is investigating a dog cruelty case.
0:36:23 > 0:36:28Buster the seven-month-old Staffie had been thrown across the room by his owner.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32He's had difficulty bearing weight on his hind legs ever since.
0:36:32 > 0:36:37Now he's at the vets and his X-ray results are back.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45Buster is shaky and unsure
0:36:45 > 0:36:49and is left in peace to come round from the anaesthetic.
0:36:49 > 0:36:54Meanwhile, vet Gus Mackenzie is trying to establish the cause of his lameness.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58The left hip is definitely abnormal compared to the right hip.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01The bone development is not normal in this area here,
0:37:01 > 0:37:06compared to the other side, where you've got more normal development there.
0:37:06 > 0:37:11There's a possibility of Legg-Perthes disease going on here.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14We can't make a definitive diagnosis on that
0:37:14 > 0:37:18and my plan would be to put it on pain relief, rest,
0:37:18 > 0:37:20re X-ray in four to six weeks' time,
0:37:20 > 0:37:24and then confirm whether or not we've got Legg-Perthes disease,
0:37:24 > 0:37:27in which case we may need to recommend surgery.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Another problem for Buster to overcome.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34It's relatively common and could be cured by an operation
0:37:34 > 0:37:39but the X-rays also reveal more unusual injuries that may prevent this surgery.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43There has been a fracture of some description here,
0:37:43 > 0:37:47which has been repaired with a screw
0:37:47 > 0:37:52and what we call a Kirschner wire. That stabilises the fracture.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56The dog was probably three to four months old
0:37:56 > 0:38:00when it received that injury, whatever that injury was.
0:38:00 > 0:38:05It's not a hugely common injury but we do see it
0:38:05 > 0:38:11and it can happen as a result of all sorts of traumatic episodes.
0:38:12 > 0:38:17Buster's X-rays are slowly unravelling this dog's troubled past.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21Next, Gus attempts to determine what may have caused the scars on his head.
0:38:21 > 0:38:26There's a lump of extra bone here and that extra bone,
0:38:26 > 0:38:30we would normally expect, would be as a result of some sort of bang on the head.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33Buster's got a distressing portfolio of pictures,
0:38:33 > 0:38:37something his owner will now have to explain.
0:38:37 > 0:38:43It worries me that a dog of this age has received as many injuries as it has and appears to have...
0:38:45 > 0:38:48..other suggestions of traumatic experiences.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52What I need to do now is speak to... Go back and speak to him,
0:38:54 > 0:38:58interview him and see what he has to say about it,
0:38:58 > 0:39:04and it will help us form a better picture of what the situation is that we've got here.
0:39:04 > 0:39:09But I think Buster's certainly been through a lot in a short period of time.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13Vicki may never be able to prove how Buster's old injuries were caused
0:39:13 > 0:39:19but his owner has already admitted that he threw him across the room. That in itself is cruelty.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26Are you feeling a bit woozy?
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Hey? You're a good boy.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32Yes, you are. You are a bit wobbly, aren't you?
0:39:39 > 0:39:42After seven long months of tests and X-rays,
0:39:42 > 0:39:46the vets finally come to an agonising decision.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48Buster is just over a year old
0:39:48 > 0:39:52but has more than a lifetime of injuries.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55Even if they operated, his damaged limbs are just too weak
0:39:55 > 0:39:58to support him through his recovery.
0:39:58 > 0:40:03It's heartbreaking but the best thing for Buster is to end his suffering.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Vicki is with him in his final moments.
0:40:06 > 0:40:11We've just given him mild sedation, prior to putting him to sleep.
0:40:11 > 0:40:18I think it's better for him just to be a little bit woozy just before.
0:40:19 > 0:40:25I want this just to be as least stressful for him as possible.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29He's had enough stress in his life already.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33It's a sad end for Buster
0:40:33 > 0:40:37and a day all RSPCA inspectors dread
0:40:37 > 0:40:40but at least Buster's pain will soon be over.
0:40:40 > 0:40:46You always hope for a happy ending, especially with, like,
0:40:46 > 0:40:51cases that have been particularly cruel and nasty.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54You always like to have a happy ending
0:40:54 > 0:40:59but unfortunately life isn't always like that.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04It's not always the happy ending that you want.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18Buster's owner still has to account for his cruelty.
0:41:18 > 0:41:23The RSPCA charge him with causing unnecessary suffering to his dog.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26But he fails to turn up at court on two occasions
0:41:26 > 0:41:29and is found guilty in his absence.
0:41:32 > 0:41:3623 weeks after Buster was thrown against a door,
0:41:36 > 0:41:39the police arrest his owner.
0:41:39 > 0:41:40This is the warrant that's been issued.
0:41:40 > 0:41:46Now there is another charge to add to his conviction for cruelty - failing to appear in court.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49Buster's owner is ordered to do 200 hours' community service
0:41:49 > 0:41:54and banned from keeping any animal for ten years.
0:41:54 > 0:41:59Although it's been a sad ending for Buster, for the RSPCA
0:41:59 > 0:42:04this has been a chance to show there's no excuse for animal cruelty and no escape from the law.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15If you think you know of a case of wildlife crime,
0:42:15 > 0:42:18or a creature that needs immediate protection,
0:42:18 > 0:42:24remember there are dedicated professionals out there who will answer your call around the clock.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28They are the people we meet on Animal 24:7.
0:42:30 > 0:42:35Next time: The frightened boxer in need of rescue.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37A dog that's nervous can turn aggressive,
0:42:37 > 0:42:41so I'm just gonna give him chance to recognise what's going on.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45In search of the 30 foot sharks in Scottish waters.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49Yeah, there's a shark about 100 metres at half-past 12.
0:42:49 > 0:42:50Oh, fantastic!
0:42:50 > 0:42:53And the home-grown squirrels fighting for survival.
0:42:53 > 0:42:59It's my first proper sight, actually, of a red squirrel other than on the telly.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01- They're beautiful creatures. - They are.
0:43:22 > 0:43:26Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd 2009
0:43:26 > 0:43:29E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk