0:00:04 > 0:00:06Britain's animals are under threat.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10All too often, our wildlife and pets are victims of cruelty,
0:00:10 > 0:00:12persecution and neglect.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14Fighting to save them
0:00:14 > 0:00:19is a dedicated band of people trying to care for them around the clock.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21This is Animal 24:7.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45'Today, on Animal 24:7...'
0:00:45 > 0:00:48Police!
0:00:48 > 0:00:54'..rescue for the pets held in unbelievable squalor.'
0:00:54 > 0:00:58Her body condition is one to two. It should be five.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02'The pony left in pain by a DIY pedicure.'
0:01:02 > 0:01:07These were taken off very straight. I don't know if that hurts.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Does that hurt, mate?
0:01:09 > 0:01:12'And it's trial and error...'
0:01:12 > 0:01:14It flew about 50 yards.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17'..getting these swifts back to the skies.'
0:01:17 > 0:01:21Brilliant! You're better at it than I am.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29Over the years on Animal 24:7, we've brought you stories
0:01:29 > 0:01:33of people who fill their homes with animals.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37These "animal hoarders" are rarely cruel,
0:01:37 > 0:01:42but the sheer numbers mean it's difficult to care for them properly.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46In east London, the RSPCA has learned about another case,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49and have invited me to join the operation.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53But nothing's prepared me for what we're about to find.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02'It's Christmas Eve. Most people are preparing for the festive fun.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06'I'm with a team of RSPCA and police officers
0:02:06 > 0:02:09'planning an operation at a house in Hackney.'
0:02:11 > 0:02:15That first one there. You've got these gardens. These are walls...
0:02:15 > 0:02:21'Intelligence suggests the occupant is keeping pets in poor conditions.'
0:02:21 > 0:02:27We've got reason to believe there are numerous animals in there,
0:02:27 > 0:02:32possibly over ten dogs, ten cats and numerous small animals.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36They're going to be very nervous, very skittish.
0:02:36 > 0:02:41We'll have to do it one by one, each animal checked by us and the vet.
0:02:45 > 0:02:51'RSPCA inspector Imara Alagaratna is leading today's operation.'
0:02:51 > 0:02:55We have been into this property a number of years ago.
0:02:55 > 0:03:0136 rats were removed, and there were a couple of hundred rats in there,
0:03:01 > 0:03:03dead and dying.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10'Imara needs to check on the welfare of the latest animals.
0:03:10 > 0:03:17'The woman has previously refused to allow inspectors into her house.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23'Today, Imara isn't taking no for an answer.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27'She's armed with a warrant and she's got police as back-up.'
0:03:27 > 0:03:32- What are you thinking? - I'm just very nervous, really.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36- Anticipating what I'm going to find. - Why?
0:03:36 > 0:03:41It's the sheer number of animals, more than the state of the property.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46My worst fear is having 20 dogs running towards me!
0:03:46 > 0:03:53- What happened when you peeked in before?- I didn't see any animals, but I heard a LOT of dogs.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Quite a number of flies flew in my face.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02'The team makes their move.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07'Imara is joined by PC Steve Rogers and vet Brian Barnet.'
0:04:10 > 0:04:15Imara, the police, the vet and the housing lady are at the door.
0:04:15 > 0:04:20Never sure what will be behind it when it's opened - IF it's opened.
0:04:20 > 0:04:26It's the RSPCA. I'm here with the police. Please open the door.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31'No-one is answering. Time for plan B.'
0:04:31 > 0:04:36Hi, Ryan. It's Steve. Can we draw on that enforcer, please?
0:04:36 > 0:04:40'The team plans to break the door down.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45'Suddenly, it seems drastic action may not be needed, after all.'
0:04:45 > 0:04:49The policeman has found one of the residents.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52He's explaining why they need to get in.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57They need to see the animals to find out if they're fine.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02They've got the authority to get in and they're going to do it today.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07'But, it appears, there isn't going to be an easy way in.'
0:05:07 > 0:05:12Hi ya. The guy in the wheelchair lives there. Hasn't got keys.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14But, obviously, warrant there.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18'The police are ready to force their way in.
0:05:18 > 0:05:24'PC Rogers gives the man one final chance to let them inside.'
0:05:24 > 0:05:26Sir, do you have a key? No?
0:05:29 > 0:05:31Police!
0:05:31 > 0:05:34Get down! Get down!
0:05:35 > 0:05:37Show me your hands.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- WOMAN'S ANGRY VOICE - Calm down.
0:05:41 > 0:05:48You never know what's behind the door - animals or, in this case, extremely distressed people.
0:05:49 > 0:05:55'The strong smell of ammonia is too much for some members of the team.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59'From this initial glance inside,
0:05:59 > 0:06:04'it's clear everyone needs protective overalls and gloves.'
0:06:05 > 0:06:09Just getting here to the porch, the smell is hitting me.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11And hitting hard.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18'The hallway is jam-packed.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23'Amongst it, Imara spots the first animal, which tries to escape.'
0:06:23 > 0:06:25Shut the front door.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30Open up the basket for me, Tom. I'll squeeze the cat in.
0:06:30 > 0:06:36It's very underweight. You can feel its ribs and its spine.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- How does it feel to be in here? - I'm glad that we got in.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44Looking at the state of the animals, they're all very underweight.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46I'm glad we're all here.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51The smell of the faeces and the urine is making your eyes burn.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- Imara?- Yes.
0:06:56 > 0:07:02'Upstairs, conditions are making searching for the pets difficult.'
0:07:02 > 0:07:07- What's it like in there, Steve? - We found more three cats.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11You've been on a few animal rescues, how does this compare?
0:07:11 > 0:07:16In relation to the number of animals this is by far the biggest job.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21- There's quite a lot of animals here. - And the state of the property?
0:07:21 > 0:07:27The animals have been shut in rooms and left to leave excrement,
0:07:27 > 0:07:32and been trapped in the rooms, so the conditions are very bad.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38'The RSPCA works quickly, removing the animals.'
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- Is that the last one?- No.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47'So far, five cats and a dog have been taken out.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50'The pavement has become a makeshift A&E.'
0:07:50 > 0:07:55It's like a waiting room to be checked over, what they call triage,
0:07:55 > 0:07:59finding out which are the serious cases,
0:07:59 > 0:08:04giving them that initial once-over before they take them away.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09'These early checks are already uncovering problems.'
0:08:09 > 0:08:14She's got tartar. She's underweight. She's got a flea burden.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16How underweight?
0:08:16 > 0:08:21She's skinny. Her body condition's one to two and it should be five.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26- She's a kilogramme underweight. - Not a bad temperament, though?
0:08:26 > 0:08:31No. They're nice animals. They've not been to a vet for years.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35That's going to protect her against flu, enteritis, leukaemia,
0:08:35 > 0:08:37cos she's going with the RSPCA.
0:08:37 > 0:08:42'The animals will soon be taken to a much cleaner place.
0:08:42 > 0:08:48'Inspector Claire Ponsford documents the condition of each one.'
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- Do you want application of flea treatments?- No.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56'The team continues to treat the animals on the pavement.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00'Next is a terrier, and he's covered in fleas.'
0:09:00 > 0:09:02He's been biting himself.
0:09:02 > 0:09:09- That's why he's got no hair on him. We're checking for a microchip.- No.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11His heart sounds fine.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15Nails long. Flea burden. He seems otherwise OK.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25'Inside, other pets are hiding in the upstairs rooms.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30'PC Rogers must find them, too, so they can be checked over.'
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Basically, wall to ceiling.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38It's like...cat food boxes, dog food boxes.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41The smell is unbelievable.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46'Many of the cats and dogs rescued are suffering from skin irritations.
0:09:46 > 0:09:53'Brian believes this has been caused by the amount of urine and faeces.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57'Meanwhile, the team begins searching downstairs.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01'Conditions for the animals here are even worse.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08'Later...'
0:10:08 > 0:10:12This collar's cutting into the skin. The nails are long.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18'And treatment's needed for a lame pony.'
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Its feet have been somewhat trimmed.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25I'm not sure that'll have been a farrier.
0:10:28 > 0:10:34In the spring time in Britain, most of our wild animals tend to have their babies.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39Life for these new arrivals can be tough if they're orphaned
0:10:39 > 0:10:41and have to fend for themselves.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51'Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital, Aylesbury.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59'Every corner of this animal infirmary is filled with babies.
0:11:00 > 0:11:06'For founder Les Stocker and his volunteers it's all hands on deck.'
0:11:08 > 0:11:12This really is our busy time of the year.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15We've got staff just feeding babies.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Every animal is a baby something...
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- RADIO:- I've got a casualty in reception, a hedgehog.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25A casualty. That'll be a baby hedgehog.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31'Nearly 1,000 hedgehogs are taken in every year.'
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- Hi, Francesca. Another lot of babies?- Yeah.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37Look at his eyes open!
0:11:40 > 0:11:44I think we get baby hedgehogs accidentally.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47They'll nest in silly places.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51They'll nest in a black plastic sack on the floor.
0:11:51 > 0:11:57They'll nest in a compost heap, then people find baby hedgehogs.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01And hedgehog mums are notoriously awful mums.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05As soon as they get disturbed, they'll run away from their babies,
0:12:05 > 0:12:10and these little babies will come out squeaking
0:12:10 > 0:12:13and start to wander round the garden.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18So we know there's a nest been left, so the babies need to come in.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20SQUEAKS LOUDLY
0:12:20 > 0:12:25They're just looking for food, so that's how they come in.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Nobody knew how to rear baby hedgehogs.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32We perfected techniques, got the right milk.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36We can advise people all around the country now.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- This one's hungry.- Isn't he just?
0:12:41 > 0:12:46'On the bird ward, there's a constant influx of admissions,
0:12:46 > 0:12:49'usually after tumbling from their nest.
0:12:49 > 0:12:55'They're left to starve, or to the mercy of predators.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00'These swifts might have met a sticky end, were it not for Les
0:13:00 > 0:13:03'and his dedicated team.'
0:13:03 > 0:13:06These have been here since they were tiny.
0:13:06 > 0:13:11Swifts nest in church towers. They've gone over the edge.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14It's just a shelf. They've hit the ground.
0:13:14 > 0:13:19Then they can't fly from the ground, they can't take off, can't feed.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24So they come in here as orphans and we have to hand-rear them.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29'Adult swifts rarely land and spend most of their life in the air.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32'They sleep, eat and mate on the wing,
0:13:32 > 0:13:35'only landing to rear their young.'
0:13:35 > 0:13:38They've got wonderful wings.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43Superb, aren't they? Look at that masterpiece.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47'Student nurse Anna-Marie has spent weeks rearing this group,
0:13:47 > 0:13:50'gearing them up for a special day.
0:13:50 > 0:13:55'Birdie boot camp is over. It's time for their inaugural flight.'
0:13:55 > 0:13:57We'll take this group out.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02The ones with the longest wings, I'll show you how to release them.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07We'll see if we can get some to fly off into the wide blue yonder.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14'Swifts usually take their first flight from church towers or walls.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17'Without that height, they can struggle.'
0:14:17 > 0:14:20Find the ones with the longest wings.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24'Les has an age-old technique to get them off the ground.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29'It's time to pass his knowledge to the next generation.'
0:14:30 > 0:14:36Just get hold of the swift. Then you throw them as high as you can.
0:14:36 > 0:14:43If he flies, he flies, but he might come down and you've got to find him.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46The first one. All right?
0:14:46 > 0:14:52I'll do it on three. I don't know if girlies can throw them that high!
0:14:52 > 0:14:55Ready? Oh! I hate doing this!
0:14:55 > 0:14:59Ready? One, two, three!
0:15:03 > 0:15:07It flew about 50 yards. Bring it back.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13'The cadet is unharmed after his crash landing.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18'He'll have to wait for another day to reach for the skies.'
0:15:18 > 0:15:22Here we go again. One, two, three.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Got one out! Ho ho ho! Good.
0:15:28 > 0:15:34'Success. Now, after this quick lesson, it's Anna-Marie's turn.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39'This is what weeks of feeding and care have been building up to.'
0:15:39 > 0:15:42I'll get ready to pick it up off the floor.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45Really swing it as high as you can.
0:15:45 > 0:15:51Wow! Brilliant. You're better at it than I am.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55'Amazingly, once in the air, these birds are unlikely to land
0:15:55 > 0:15:58'for another two to three years.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02'With a boxful awaiting lift-off, Anna-Marie and Les
0:16:02 > 0:16:05'have a busy afternoon ahead.'
0:16:05 > 0:16:10Throw them a bit higher, as high as you possibly can.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11Wow!
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Come on. Keep going.
0:16:21 > 0:16:27'Still to come, a bad-tempered badger gives Les a hard time.'
0:16:27 > 0:16:31Stop biting! We'll get out of here if you let go!
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Gotcha!
0:16:35 > 0:16:39'And the difficult rescue for the pets in the London house.'
0:16:39 > 0:16:41The flies are trying to get out.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46Everything's rushing for freedom. This is just not right.
0:16:49 > 0:16:55We're off to Derbyshire, where the RSPCA's investigating complaints about a lame pony.
0:16:55 > 0:17:00An inspector has left a note asking for the owner to get in touch,
0:17:00 > 0:17:02but no-one has.
0:17:02 > 0:17:07Dave McAdam is en route to see if he has any more luck.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14'The outskirts of Chesterfield.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18'Inspector Dave McAdam is on a mission.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27'He wants to check on a lame pony and find out why its owner
0:17:27 > 0:17:29'seems to be ignoring its problems.'
0:17:29 > 0:17:33This is the pony, the little chestnut.
0:17:33 > 0:17:39Straight away, it looks like it's hobbling a little bit gingerly.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45'The pony is clearly in pain. Close up, there are more problems.'
0:17:45 > 0:17:49Its feet at the front have been somewhat trimmed.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53I'm not sure that will have been with a farrier.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57The front of the toe has been trimmed off,
0:17:57 > 0:18:02because I think they probably had the slipper feet.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04'These hooves are in a real state.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08'Dave believes the owner has been trimming them himself.'
0:18:08 > 0:18:12You've got to be really careful trimming horses' feet.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16These have been taken off very straight.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18I don't know if that hurts.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Does that hurt, mate?
0:18:20 > 0:18:24'Yes. The pony is extremely uncomfortable
0:18:24 > 0:18:28'whenever Dave tries to touch its feet.'
0:18:28 > 0:18:34He's walking very "clockwork", sort of on the heel of his hoof.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40That's probably classic laminitis.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45'Laminitis is a disease caused by eating too much rich grass.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49'It's painful and, in some cases, can be fatal.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54'Dave wants a vet to see the pony as quickly as possible.'
0:18:57 > 0:19:02Looks to me like it's got quite bad laminitis.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06If there's any way you could send a vet out to have a look at it.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10'Within the hour, vet Willem Shappa is on the scene.'
0:19:13 > 0:19:15Come on, young man.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- Is it painful when walking? Is he moving around?- Yeah.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27- But gingerly, as I call it. You know?- It's really sensitive?
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Yeah. Especially his off-side.
0:19:30 > 0:19:35'After examining the pony, he confirms Dave's fears.'
0:19:35 > 0:19:38You could see that he has chronic laminitis.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43- You can. By the shape.- It needs correcting, anyway, by the farrier.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45'This laminitis can be treated.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49'Willem is concerned that the badly trimmed hooves
0:19:49 > 0:19:51'may be adding to his problems.'
0:19:51 > 0:19:54Big edges here.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57It's not straight.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03I don't think there's any abscess, so there's no problem there.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07'The priority is to ease the pony's discomfort.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11'Willem injects painkillers for immediate relief.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14'He prescribes follow-up treatment
0:20:14 > 0:20:19'and stresses that it's vital that this pony is seen by a farrier.'
0:20:19 > 0:20:22Half twice daily.
0:20:22 > 0:20:23Smashing.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26'Now Dave needs to find the owner.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32'Luckily, this is an area he knows well.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35'After making a few enquiries,
0:20:35 > 0:20:41'he finds out that the pony is owned by local sheep farmer Andrew Broadbent.'
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Hello, Andrew?
0:20:43 > 0:20:48'Now Dave wants to find out why the pony's hooves are in such a state.'
0:20:48 > 0:20:54- Have you had a trimmer, doing it yourself?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57To be honest, it's made a bit of a hash of it.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00You don't want the laminitis causes that bad...
0:21:00 > 0:21:05- He won't stand still.- Do you know what, mate? He was fine today.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09- You'd be surprised. - Did he lift his leg up?- Yeah.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13'Dave's not willing to accept any excuses.'
0:21:13 > 0:21:17It's not dear to get the pony's feet trimmed.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21'He insists that Andrew takes his pony to the farrier
0:21:21 > 0:21:26'and says that he will be back to make sure his advice isn't ignored.'
0:21:26 > 0:21:29I'm really pleased with the outcome.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33We've spoken to the owner and he's assured me
0:21:33 > 0:21:35that he's going to get a farrier out
0:21:35 > 0:21:39to remedy the problem with the pony's feet.
0:21:39 > 0:21:44He's got painkillers for the next week, so that's going to help a bit.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48He's also going to restrict its diet.
0:21:48 > 0:21:53I'm going to return and see the pony in two weeks' time.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57I like to think that things are going to go well.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06'Coming up, a badger goes home.'
0:22:06 > 0:22:08There it goes.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12I bet it gets home and the missus says, "Where have you been?"
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- "A likely story!"- "A likely story!"
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Now, we're back in east London.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25The RSPCA and the police have served a warrant on a property
0:22:25 > 0:22:29where animals were being kept in dreadful conditions.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32They've removed five cats and a dog.
0:22:32 > 0:22:37The focus is on getting the rest of the animals out of the property.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46'It's two hours since the team gained access.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51'All the animals have been removed from upstairs.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54'Now the search moves downstairs.
0:22:54 > 0:23:00'The next animal to be brought out by vet Brian Barnet is Lassie,
0:23:00 > 0:23:04'a six-month-old Staffordshire cross.'
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Sit. Sit. Stay. Good girl!
0:23:07 > 0:23:14- Staffie cross, young, female. - NBC?- Good body condition?
0:23:14 > 0:23:19Not much of a flea burden, which is good. And that's her done.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24'This owner is passionate about pets,
0:23:24 > 0:23:28'but the sheer number has led to problems.'
0:23:28 > 0:23:31You can see that she means well.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33She's not wanting...
0:23:33 > 0:23:37It's not been purposefully harmed. It's just ignorance.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41Yeah. It's more neglect. The environment, really.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44They're not dying animals. There's food everywhere.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48'Gradually, more of the ten dogs are removed.'
0:23:48 > 0:23:50BARKING
0:23:53 > 0:23:56'Whilst there are no serious health problems,
0:23:56 > 0:23:59'Brian has some concerns.'
0:23:59 > 0:24:02This collar's cutting into the skin.
0:24:02 > 0:24:07The nails are a bit long. It's got a few wounds on her tummy.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10Body condition good.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13Wounds on her face and her forehead.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15You're just nervous, aren't you?
0:24:15 > 0:24:18Hello, darling girl!
0:24:20 > 0:24:24'A skinny saluki is the next for Brian to examine.'
0:24:24 > 0:24:28What about the condition of that one, Brian?
0:24:28 > 0:24:34- Fleas, dental disease, underweight. - The ribs are visible.- Exactly.
0:24:34 > 0:24:39- A few of the dogs look a bit yellow. - They do. It could be urine scald.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43It smells of urine. The environment is just not very clean.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48'So far, 15 animals have been removed.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51'Imara and PC Rogers go back inside
0:24:51 > 0:24:55'to make sure all the pets have been rescued.'
0:25:00 > 0:25:03HE RETCHES
0:25:03 > 0:25:07'The way these pets have had to live is not acceptable.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11'Many are now suffering health problems.'
0:25:11 > 0:25:14Oh! Excrement everywhere!
0:25:14 > 0:25:19'PC Rogers desperately attempts to get some fresh air.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24'Imara soon finds evidence that dogs and cats
0:25:24 > 0:25:28'haven't been the only animals kept here.'
0:25:28 > 0:25:31It looks like she's had hutches on top of hutches.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34The other one starts at the bottom.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37That's the other hutch.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41It looks like she's made it into a type of hutch.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43This is just all faeces.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47I don't know how you dare put your hand in that.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51As long as you don't get a bite, you're all right.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55- Or covered in faeces! - We haven't got the final verdict.
0:25:55 > 0:26:00- The animals aren't the worst you've seen, I don't think.- No.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03But they're living in a place like this.
0:26:03 > 0:26:08Clearly, the lady is looking after the animals, in a sense.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12She's not beating them or causing them any harm, per se.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16But the environment they're living in is unacceptable.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19Not for dogs and cats or humans.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21It's not even acceptable for rats.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24The flies are trying to get out.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28Everything's rushing for freedom. It's just not right.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Hopefully, now we're involved,
0:26:31 > 0:26:36it's not just the animals who'll be helped, it's also the people.
0:26:36 > 0:26:41'The conditions have caused the cats and dogs to suffer.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44'It's unlikely they'll come home.'
0:26:44 > 0:26:47You're about to take these animals off.
0:26:47 > 0:26:53- What problems did you find?- The cats were underweight, they had fleas.
0:26:53 > 0:26:59Some had flea allergy dermatitis, where the skin's raw and red.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03Overgrown nails, bad teeth, generally poor condition.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05- And the dogs?- Likewise.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09Fleas. Some had allergies. They'd been licking themselves raw.
0:27:09 > 0:27:14Dental disease, overgrown nails, some skin wounds.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18One looked like it was being throttled by its collar.
0:27:18 > 0:27:23That was a young puppy which she had from several months ago.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25The collar's not been readdressed.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28It's been growing. It's got tight.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32- How would you sum them up? - They're neglected.
0:27:32 > 0:27:37I don't think there's mal intent. She loves them truly.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41She's unable to look after herself. How can she look after animals?
0:27:41 > 0:27:46- Given the right care, should they live happy lives?- Absolutely.
0:27:46 > 0:27:51The three or four dogs in good condition, she acquired recently.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Left to live like that,
0:27:54 > 0:27:59they'll become thin, overgrown nails - it's just neglect.
0:27:59 > 0:28:04- How does it compare to other cases? - It's probably one of the worst.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07- What makes it so bad? - The state of the rooms.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10The excrement. The dogs weren't taken for walks.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17'As the team conducts final checks inside,
0:28:17 > 0:28:22'it seems that these animals may have been the lucky ones.
0:28:22 > 0:28:28'There is one final gruesome discovery for them to deal with.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34'Still to come...'
0:28:34 > 0:28:37- How long has that been dead?- Years.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40- Years?- Years.- And just left there.
0:28:42 > 0:28:49Earlier, we saw how Les Stocker and his staff were coping with the annual influx of baby animals.
0:28:49 > 0:28:54Now, Les has another regular patient to deal with, the badger.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04'Out of all the animals Les Stocker rescues,
0:29:04 > 0:29:07'the badger is his favourite.
0:29:07 > 0:29:12'Often involved in traffic accidents, this hardy animal
0:29:12 > 0:29:14'is tougher than most.'
0:29:14 > 0:29:19Loads of badgers in again, but we get badgers all the year round.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23I love badgers. I think they're the most wonderful animal.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25They're so tough.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27A car will come along,
0:29:27 > 0:29:31every other animal will run away, not a badger.
0:29:31 > 0:29:36He'll say, "It's my road!" The car hits him, but a lot of them recover.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40I really do like working with them.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44'This young female is the latest car crash casualty.
0:29:44 > 0:29:51'Les and vet nurse Claire Campbell are taking her for urgent treatment.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55'She's unresponsive, but she's a wild animal.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57'Les can't take any chances.'
0:29:57 > 0:30:02We'd better put a muzzle on, in case she decides to snap at me.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07We'll take her through.
0:30:09 > 0:30:14'Critical X-rays have been taken. Vet Vicky Ayers has the results.'
0:30:14 > 0:30:20I just wonder whether there might be evidence of a skull fracture here.
0:30:20 > 0:30:25There's a break in this line. It should be a continuous line.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27It's difficult to assess.
0:30:27 > 0:30:32There's lots of little bones and you get gaps between the bones.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35That should heal, should it?
0:30:35 > 0:30:40- It should, provided she's not too badly brain damaged.- Right.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43She would need supportive care
0:30:43 > 0:30:46and some anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling.
0:30:46 > 0:30:52It feels a bit bruised all around here, which you'd expect...
0:30:52 > 0:30:56It's typical of a badger to get bashed just there.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59'Despite coming head-to-head with a vehicle,
0:30:59 > 0:31:03'the X-ray shows remarkably little damage.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10'This could be due to a badger's natural armour.'
0:31:10 > 0:31:14There's a big crest on top of the skull. What's that?
0:31:14 > 0:31:17It's the occipital crest, I believe.
0:31:17 > 0:31:22It reinforces their skull for when they run headlong into things!
0:31:25 > 0:31:31'Vicky suspects there may be other issues left undetected by X-rays.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33'Further investigation is needed.'
0:31:33 > 0:31:38- She's been breathing all right? - That's all been fine.- Great.
0:31:38 > 0:31:44Just to see if there's any bubbling, a sign of bleeding in her chest.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47I can't see any rib fractures on the X-ray.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50Sounds all right.
0:31:50 > 0:31:55'This does give Les some hope, but the badger remains unresponsive.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57'The team decides to try food.'
0:32:00 > 0:32:03Are you going to swallow, lovey?
0:32:03 > 0:32:05There we are!
0:32:05 > 0:32:07'Finally, a sign of life!'
0:32:07 > 0:32:12What do you think, Vicky? Do we stand a good chance?
0:32:12 > 0:32:16The chances are pretty good. She's improved so much in 48 hours.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20And the fact that she's taking on some calories now.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25'Despite this glimmer of hope, sadly, the badger died
0:32:25 > 0:32:27'a few weeks later.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35'For every piece of bad news, there's good news.
0:32:35 > 0:32:41'For every badger that comes into Tiggywinkles, there's one ready to leave.
0:32:41 > 0:32:46'Releasing one into the wild brings a mixture of emotions - joy, relief
0:32:46 > 0:32:48'and a certain amount of fear.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51'They've got quite a nasty bite.'
0:32:51 > 0:32:53Only once in 30 years.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56And that was last year.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58I spent five days in hospital.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02It's not a thing you want to do, get bitten by a badger.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06Hopefully, there's a badger in here.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10'All that stands between Les and a bite is his grasper.'
0:33:10 > 0:33:13You're grumpy already, aren't you?
0:33:13 > 0:33:18'The feisty male was rushed in three months ago with a fractured pelvis.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21'Now he's fighting fit.'
0:33:21 > 0:33:24Come on! Don't bite it. Stop biting.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26Just for me.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29No. Let go.
0:33:29 > 0:33:30Just let go.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33We'll get out of here if you let go!
0:33:33 > 0:33:35'Les makes his move.'
0:33:35 > 0:33:38Gotcha.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42'But he's not going easily.'
0:33:44 > 0:33:46Fun, isn't it?
0:33:46 > 0:33:49'This is how Les wants them to be.'
0:33:49 > 0:33:51Gotcha.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54It's good when you get to release an animal
0:33:54 > 0:33:59and it's so wild it's unbelievable.
0:33:59 > 0:34:04It's going to look after itself. It's not going to go up to people.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07It's going to stay very wild, very powerful.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13'A field north of Aylesbury. It's dusk.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15'Les arrives with wife and co-founder Sue,
0:34:15 > 0:34:20'close to the spot where the badger was originally found.'
0:34:21 > 0:34:27I think, when you put a badger back like this, he knows where he is.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31His family could be within two or three miles.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33He'll know where they are.
0:34:33 > 0:34:39He'll have no trouble finding his family. He'll go back to his sett.
0:34:39 > 0:34:44You know where you are, don't you? You know where you are.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48OK, so... Wa-hay! Tip it slightly.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55Bit thick. Here he goes.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01He's made it all right. He'll stop, look round and say...
0:35:01 > 0:35:05Look, he's stopped. Proper look around.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10He's all right. Nothing wrong with him.
0:35:10 > 0:35:16I bet he gets home and the missus says, "Where have you been?"
0:35:16 > 0:35:20- "A likely story!" - Yeah. "A likely story!"
0:35:20 > 0:35:22There he goes.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27I've been doing this 30 years now, and it still worries me immensely.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31When I see him going into the wild, I'm like a mother hen.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35A job well done. He's as fit as a fiddle, strong as an ox.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40One repaired badger back in the wild, which is the job we do.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54We're back in Hackney, east London.
0:35:54 > 0:35:59The RSPCA has almost finished searching the animal collector's home.
0:35:59 > 0:36:04The woman had a total of ten neglected dogs and five cats,
0:36:04 > 0:36:07all kept in appalling conditions.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09But as the search continues,
0:36:09 > 0:36:14the team is about to make one final grim discovery.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21'After being briefly assessed,
0:36:21 > 0:36:25'all the rescued animals are waiting to go to the animal centre.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28'Just as the team thinks this job is over,
0:36:28 > 0:36:32'vet Brian Barnet has found another cat.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35'For this one, the rescue has come too late.'
0:36:35 > 0:36:38- How long has that been dead?- Years.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41- Years?- Years.- And just left there?
0:36:41 > 0:36:44They just dry out. RETCHES
0:36:45 > 0:36:50'The cat's carcass will become evidence in this investigation.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54'While Imara's priority is the rescued animals,
0:36:54 > 0:36:56'the discovery of the dead cat
0:36:56 > 0:36:59'has given the officers cause for concern.'
0:37:03 > 0:37:08We need to make sure there aren't any further animals still in there.
0:37:08 > 0:37:13- Is it a crime scene?- Yeah. Everything we pick up is an exhibit.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15It will be taken to court.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20'If the owner's found guilty of neglect,
0:37:20 > 0:37:24'she could face a large fine or even a prison sentence.
0:37:24 > 0:37:29'No-one's sure what else might be inside this house,
0:37:29 > 0:37:34'but that's going to have to wait for another day.'
0:37:34 > 0:37:38Been here for three hours. What a three hours it's been!
0:37:38 > 0:37:43Not least for the animals - ten dogs, five cats and a dead one.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45They're all ready to go.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52'Having been freed from the filth and squalor,
0:37:52 > 0:37:57'the 15 animals are taken to an RSPCA shelter to begin rehabilitation.'
0:37:57 > 0:38:00BARKING
0:38:03 > 0:38:05What's going to happen now?
0:38:05 > 0:38:09They're going to stay in kennels, get fed and watered.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12The dogs will have a quick bath.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16They all smell of faeces. They'll settle-in over Christmas.
0:38:16 > 0:38:21They'll all be fatted-up. The vet's going to give them another check.
0:38:21 > 0:38:27In the meantime, I'll be getting more information from the owner,
0:38:27 > 0:38:31interviewing them under caution, to find out what their story is.
0:38:31 > 0:38:36From what you've seen, would you want a court decision
0:38:36 > 0:38:40- that says this person is not fit to look after animals?- Yes.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42Without a shadow of doubt.
0:38:42 > 0:38:47The animals could find new homes, they're rehomeable?
0:38:47 > 0:38:50Definitely. They're all very friendly.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54Some are more nervous than others,
0:38:54 > 0:38:57but they should come out of their shells.
0:38:57 > 0:39:02- It's been dramatic for us. It's more extraordinary for them.- Definitely.
0:39:04 > 0:39:10'The owner had some affection for her collection of dogs and cats.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12'Attempting to care for so many,
0:39:12 > 0:39:16'ultimately had a detrimental affect on their health.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20'She's agreed to sign the animals over,
0:39:20 > 0:39:24'which will allow the RSPCA to find more suitable homes,
0:39:24 > 0:39:27'once they're recovered from their ordeal.'
0:39:27 > 0:39:29Miaow.
0:39:35 > 0:39:41'Nine months later, and one of the skinny cats confined in the bedroom
0:39:41 > 0:39:45'is getting a taste of the outdoors.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49'Until Holly's used to her new home with Shirley Vincent,
0:39:49 > 0:39:54'she has to be kept on a lead outside.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58'It's all part of gradual rehabilitation process.'
0:39:58 > 0:40:02She's learning to be a homely cat again.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05She's sniffing around everywhere.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08She likes to jump up
0:40:08 > 0:40:11and sit on your lap.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15She's just trying to make a home for herself again.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19'Slowly, but surely, Holly's adapting to her surroundings.
0:40:19 > 0:40:25'In Brighton, another rescued pet is getting used to a new life.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28'This was Lassie when she was rescued.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30'She was underweight,
0:40:30 > 0:40:34'had a skin irritation and sores from her collar.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36'Now she's called Berry
0:40:36 > 0:40:40'and is getting used to doing things differently...'
0:40:40 > 0:40:42No, Berry! No.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46'..with her new owners, John and Lorraine.'
0:40:46 > 0:40:48Sit.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51She was not house-trained,
0:40:51 > 0:40:56so the first two weeks were quite a learning experience.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00We put paper on the floor, had a few accidents the first two days.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03She's happy to go outside now.
0:41:03 > 0:41:09She was very hyper, didn't do as she was told, didn't like the lead.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12Didn't know what toys were.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16She's come a long way in a month. She's done a lot in that time.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20She's settled in. She knows that she has her bed.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23That's where she goes at the end of the day.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27'The animals' owner wasn't prosecuted
0:41:27 > 0:41:32'but the council has banned her from keeping animals at her home.
0:41:34 > 0:41:39'For her old pets, though, the future is much brighter.
0:41:39 > 0:41:45'All five cats and all ten dogs have found new homes.
0:41:46 > 0:41:51'Like Berry and Holly, they're now enjoying life to the full.'
0:41:56 > 0:42:02If you think you know of a case of wildlife crime, or a creature that needs immediate protection,
0:42:02 > 0:42:07people out there will answer your call right around the clock.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10They are who we meet on Animal 24:7.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16'Next time on Animal 24:7,
0:42:16 > 0:42:20'we're on patrol with the team searching for suspect breeds.'
0:42:20 > 0:42:25You're seizing both of them? You can't seize my dogs just for that.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29That's not fair. Look how friendly the dog is.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33'Hugo, a huge Rottweiler, trained to attack the police.'
0:42:33 > 0:42:38We've been told that he's been putting nails in a stick
0:42:38 > 0:42:41and hitting the dog to make it angry.
0:42:41 > 0:42:46'And I witness first-hand how the dogs can be victims, too.'
0:42:46 > 0:42:52This is a victim. It was attacked by a pit-type dog.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd