Episode 14

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0:00:04 > 0:00:06Britain's animals are under threat.

0:00:06 > 0:00:13All too often our wildlife and domestic pets are the victims of cruelty, persecution and neglect.

0:00:13 > 0:00:19Fighting to save them is a dedicated band of people trying to protect and care for them

0:00:19 > 0:00:23right around the clock. This is Animal 24:7.

0:00:44 > 0:00:49Today on Animal 24:7, tiny kittens crawling with fleas.

0:00:49 > 0:00:53These are the cats you've got in the house now?

0:00:53 > 0:00:56- We've got one, two, three, four... - There's eight.

0:00:56 > 0:01:01A tricky rescue for a trapped duckling.

0:01:01 > 0:01:03I'm just going to let it settle.

0:01:03 > 0:01:09If the duckling is in there, we don't want too much water flowing in at one go.

0:01:09 > 0:01:11Take it very carefully.

0:01:11 > 0:01:15And will Gus the Staffie live up to the breed's bad reputation?

0:01:15 > 0:01:21It all goes down to young lads who want a status symbol.

0:01:21 > 0:01:25A Staffie is quite a hard-looking dog.

0:01:29 > 0:01:35There are 10 million cat owners in Britain, so it's no surprise the RSPCA gets a lot of calls

0:01:35 > 0:01:38about this popular pet,

0:01:38 > 0:01:44but centres around the country are overflowing with cats looking for a new home.

0:01:44 > 0:01:50When an inspector gets a call about another unwanted feline, it can be a real problem.

0:01:55 > 0:02:01Bacup, Lancashire. Inspector Helen Smith has arrived at a house where several cats need her help.

0:02:05 > 0:02:08But this is not a call from a member of the public.

0:02:08 > 0:02:12This call has come from the owner herself.

0:02:12 > 0:02:19- You all right?- Yeah.- We're just here to see how many cats you've got and how we can help you, OK?

0:02:19 > 0:02:22Do you want us to come in? Is that OK?

0:02:22 > 0:02:29Frances Gray has asked for Helen's help after realising she's unable to cope with all her cats.

0:02:29 > 0:02:34Are these all the cats you've got in the house now?

0:02:34 > 0:02:41- There's one missing.- OK. So we've got one, two, three, four...- There's eight.- Eight cats.

0:02:41 > 0:02:46Frances has got four cats and four kittens,

0:02:46 > 0:02:50but it seems she never intended to have quite so many.

0:02:50 > 0:02:58Is this because you never had them spayed? They've bred and you've not known what to do with the kittens?

0:02:58 > 0:03:04I didn't make arrangements. A friend of mine gave me vouchers to take her

0:03:04 > 0:03:09- and her. By the time I got there, they were already pregnant.- Right.

0:03:09 > 0:03:11- They obviously won't do it.- Right.

0:03:11 > 0:03:19And even when Frances has managed to find new homes for some of her collection, they can't stay away.

0:03:19 > 0:03:22We've rehomed the big tom cat

0:03:22 > 0:03:27- at the weekend.- Right, OK. - But he escaped.

0:03:27 > 0:03:31- Right.- And he came home. We don't know how he managed it.

0:03:31 > 0:03:36Frances can't cope with the number of cats living here.

0:03:36 > 0:03:41- Reluctantly, she's putting seven up for rehoming.- You want to keep one?

0:03:41 > 0:03:46- The grey and white one.- Right. - Because she was a rescue cat.- OK.

0:03:46 > 0:03:50- And she was badly treated. - Mm-hm.

0:03:50 > 0:03:53She's never been out of the house.

0:03:53 > 0:03:58- OK.- I don't think she'd be really suitable for rehoming.

0:03:58 > 0:04:03I'll ring around some animal homes and see if we can get them in.

0:04:03 > 0:04:05Helen wants to help.

0:04:05 > 0:04:10- Hiya.- But finding space for seven cats isn't going to be easy.

0:04:10 > 0:04:13Have you got room for some kittens?

0:04:13 > 0:04:18Many centres in the area are full of unwanted and abandoned cats.

0:04:18 > 0:04:22I've got four, yeah. They're about 10 weeks.

0:04:22 > 0:04:26But, thankfully, today Helen is in luck.

0:04:26 > 0:04:29Right. That's fantastic.

0:04:29 > 0:04:32All right, thank you. Bye.

0:04:33 > 0:04:37We're going to take three to Blackpool Animal Home now.

0:04:37 > 0:04:44Then the lady from another animal home is going to be a fosterer as from Monday,

0:04:44 > 0:04:47so she'll take the remaining four.

0:04:47 > 0:04:52To make sure Frances doesn't find herself with more kittens,

0:04:52 > 0:04:58Helen gives her a voucher to get her remaining cat neutered.

0:04:58 > 0:05:02I'll just give you this neutering voucher for the grey and white one.

0:05:02 > 0:05:06Make sure you keep hold of that. OK?

0:05:08 > 0:05:13The paperwork is complete. It's now time for the cats to leave.

0:05:13 > 0:05:17- Right. I'll take this little fella? - Yep.- Yep.

0:05:17 > 0:05:23But while she's struggling to cope with them, it's still hard for Frances to see them go.

0:05:26 > 0:05:30- Don't worry. They'll be well looked after.- My little favourite.

0:05:30 > 0:05:33Bye-bye, sweetie.

0:05:33 > 0:05:36- Be good. - You've done the right thing.

0:05:36 > 0:05:39I know it's upsetting, but you have.

0:05:39 > 0:05:46- I've had them since the day they were born.- I know and you do get a bond, but you have done the right thing.

0:05:46 > 0:05:53Helen hopes that by giving the kittens a new home, she's also given Frances a fresh start, too.

0:05:53 > 0:05:59We're not always here to prosecute and get people into trouble. We can help people like this lady.

0:05:59 > 0:06:03We've downsized her to one neutered cat

0:06:03 > 0:06:08so her problem is sorted now. She can get her house back on track.

0:06:11 > 0:06:15Keeping so many cats can mean health problems get overlooked.

0:06:17 > 0:06:23Before the cats can go anywhere else, they have to be checked to ensure they're fit and healthy.

0:06:23 > 0:06:28She heads to the RSPCA's Longview Animal Centre in Blackpool.

0:06:28 > 0:06:33Care Assistant Joe is waiting to see the little felines.

0:06:34 > 0:06:36- Hi, Joe!- All right?

0:06:36 > 0:06:40- What have we got?- These are three kittens from a house.

0:06:40 > 0:06:45- Just wondering if you can just give them a quick check over.- Yes.

0:06:47 > 0:06:50The eyes are quite clear, aren't they?

0:06:51 > 0:06:55Quite placid. I don't know whether they'd need worming.

0:06:55 > 0:07:01- Skin's a bit rough here. They might need fleaing.- A closer inspection quickly uncovers the problem.

0:07:01 > 0:07:08- This kitten is crawling with fleas. - Can you assume if one's got fleas they've all got fleas?

0:07:08 > 0:07:12I assume so, yes. If they were in the same conditions, they will do.

0:07:13 > 0:07:20It's vital fleas are treated in such young cats. They can cause uncomfortable skin irritations

0:07:20 > 0:07:24and lead to more serious health problems.

0:07:24 > 0:07:29- If kittens have a lot of fleas, can that make them lethargic?- It will.

0:07:29 > 0:07:34It's also quite an easy passage for diseases to be passed on.

0:07:34 > 0:07:36That is part of the danger of it.

0:07:36 > 0:07:41Thankfully, despite the flea burden, the kitten is in reasonable health.

0:07:43 > 0:07:48Looking at the eye, they seem quite nice. That seems fine.

0:07:48 > 0:07:55- Joe checks the other brothers and sisters.- This one's got quite a lot of fleas on it again.

0:07:55 > 0:08:01- As he expected, it's a similar story for them. - Seems to be just a flea problem.

0:08:01 > 0:08:08- Everything seems OK.- Luckily, fleas are easy to treat. A dose of flea killer will soon cure them.

0:08:08 > 0:08:11There we are. All done.

0:08:11 > 0:08:13There we go.

0:08:13 > 0:08:17And Helen's certain it won't be too long before they have new homes.

0:08:19 > 0:08:21Here we go.

0:08:21 > 0:08:26It's always nice to take animals from someone who can't cope

0:08:26 > 0:08:32and bring them somewhere new. This will, hopefully, just be temporary.

0:08:32 > 0:08:36Then they'll hopefully get settled and go to a new home.

0:08:38 > 0:08:46Still to come: the search for an abandoned cat attracts an uninvited guest.

0:08:46 > 0:08:48There's geese coming towards us!

0:08:48 > 0:08:53And an emotional goodbye for this dog owner.

0:08:53 > 0:08:58You're doing the right thing. We'll find him a good home.

0:09:01 > 0:09:05Like us humans, baby animals love to explore,

0:09:05 > 0:09:12but they can often be blissfully unaware of the danger and they can land in all sorts of trouble.

0:09:12 > 0:09:19Now there's a report that a baby duckling has given his parents the slip and landed in deep water.

0:09:25 > 0:09:30This is the River Lark in Tuddenham, Suffolk.

0:09:30 > 0:09:34The local ducks are doing what they do best.

0:09:34 > 0:09:39But for an unlucky duckling, a dip in an adjoining pond at this boutique hotel

0:09:39 > 0:09:43has led to a rather unexpected overnight stay.

0:09:43 > 0:09:48A fairly bizarre call about a duckling

0:09:48 > 0:09:55stuck under a walkway. It's possibly fallen down a hole where water pours onto the mill wheel.

0:09:55 > 0:10:02I haven't had a good look at it yet, so I'm not entirely sure, but somebody's going to get very wet.

0:10:03 > 0:10:11Staff at the hotel called the RSPCA after hearing the duckling's distressed calls last night.

0:10:14 > 0:10:21This could be a tricky water rescue. Inspector Chris Niece is helping out and is quick to get stuck in.

0:10:22 > 0:10:24Well, that's OK.

0:10:24 > 0:10:31The hotel is an old water mill and the duckling has got trapped in an extremely awkward spot.

0:10:31 > 0:10:36It's close to the mill wheel and there's only one way for Justin and Chris to get it out.

0:10:36 > 0:10:42Somebody's going to have to go into the water up to the hole and then reach.

0:10:42 > 0:10:47You can hear the duckling. If they try to make the wheel move,

0:10:47 > 0:10:50all the water flushes through and it'll get washed away.

0:10:56 > 0:11:03Fortunately, Chris and Justin are well-prepared for any eventuality and are equipped with dry suits.

0:11:03 > 0:11:08Lots of jobs aren't straightforward. You think on your feet.

0:11:08 > 0:11:13You try to see everything works out in a nice way.

0:11:13 > 0:11:19They're determined to rescue it, but if it gets too hazardous, they'll have to abandon the attempt.

0:11:19 > 0:11:26The risk to the person involved in the rescue may outweigh the benefit of rescuing the individual animal.

0:11:26 > 0:11:33Our first priority is the safety of the people in the rescue. If we can resolve it, we will.

0:11:33 > 0:11:38With the pair suited and booted, Chris has drawn the short straw.

0:11:38 > 0:11:41Oh, it's very silty at the bottom.

0:11:44 > 0:11:49The pond's muddy bed means backstroke is the best option,

0:11:49 > 0:11:53but with all the safety gear on, it's slow going.

0:11:53 > 0:12:00Chris finally reaches the mill race, the water channel which feeds the wheel, but he needs to be cautious.

0:12:00 > 0:12:02I'm slightly wary of any debris.

0:12:02 > 0:12:05I'll just let it settle a second.

0:12:05 > 0:12:10If the duckling is in there, we don't want too much water flowing at one go.

0:12:10 > 0:12:17Slowly, but surely, Chris edges his way into the narrow, dark channel to try to find the trapped duckling,

0:12:17 > 0:12:23but then, as he peers through the gloom, he makes an unexpected discovery.

0:12:23 > 0:12:28The situation is we have not one, but two ducklings in there at present.

0:12:28 > 0:12:35They're both on a slight ledge. Regrettably, they're slightly out of physical reach of my hand.

0:12:36 > 0:12:43Chris decides to try to gather up the ducklings. One false move could end in disaster.

0:12:43 > 0:12:47The danger is that it only takes a small movement from their position

0:12:47 > 0:12:54so that they go further down the drain and then they would be completely out of reach.

0:12:58 > 0:13:02But the ducklings are just too far away for Chris to get near.

0:13:02 > 0:13:06Right, we're going to have to adapt our plan slightly.

0:13:06 > 0:13:10- I need something that sort of length. - A net might work.- Yeah.

0:13:10 > 0:13:14This net is usually used to catch small reptiles.

0:13:14 > 0:13:18Today it's the ideal size for netting marooned mallards.

0:13:18 > 0:13:21OK, Justin.

0:13:22 > 0:13:28Reaching into the darkness, it doesn't take Chris long to bag the first bird.

0:13:28 > 0:13:30Right, got one.

0:13:33 > 0:13:35There's one little duckling.

0:13:38 > 0:13:43Tell me when you're ready and we'll go for the second one.

0:13:43 > 0:13:51With its brother gone, the second duckling heads straight into Chris's waiting hands.

0:13:54 > 0:14:00Justin quickly reunites the brothers and their impromptu stay in one of the hotel's less fashionable rooms

0:14:00 > 0:14:02is finally over.

0:14:02 > 0:14:06- Thank you, sir.- Good job. Well done.

0:14:06 > 0:14:10Now there's another challenge facing Chris and Justin.

0:14:10 > 0:14:17We are trying to locate the parents. We think there's probably half a dozen remaining, not including these.

0:14:17 > 0:14:22But there's quite a lot of undergrowth along the edge of the riverbank.

0:14:22 > 0:14:30The vegetation is thick and dense. It's hard to see anything, so they'll have to rely on their ears.

0:14:37 > 0:14:40I'm thinking they're just here, Chris.

0:14:40 > 0:14:44Justin's spotted a pair of ducks with babies hiding beneath a tree.

0:14:51 > 0:14:58If the adult ducks react to the infants' distress calls, they know it's the correct family.

0:14:58 > 0:15:03- DUCKLING CHEEPS They heard that.- They're coming.

0:15:03 > 0:15:10With the parents answering their calls, Chris unceremoniously releases the pair

0:15:10 > 0:15:13- back into the water.- Jump! Jump!

0:15:14 > 0:15:20The ducklings don't hang around. As soon as they spot them, they head straight to Mum and Dad,

0:15:20 > 0:15:24who are still hiding under the safety of the trees.

0:15:25 > 0:15:29They're a lot lower. They've seen Mum.

0:15:29 > 0:15:34Basically, imagine being a kid. "Mum!" and then running back in.

0:15:34 > 0:15:37That's worked out perfectly.

0:15:47 > 0:15:52Later: from cute to creepy, can Justin conquer his fears?

0:15:52 > 0:15:58I jump on the sofa if there's a spider. Fingers crossed it's British!

0:15:58 > 0:16:03And an unusual cat call for Inspector Helen Smith.

0:16:03 > 0:16:09The rope's attached to its collar. It's very weird. I don't know why anyone would tether a cat.

0:16:09 > 0:16:11Maybe they think it'll run off.

0:16:14 > 0:16:20On Animal 24:7, we've seen lots of stories about Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

0:16:20 > 0:16:25They're a popular breed, but in recent years have been used by gangs as status symbols.

0:16:25 > 0:16:30This has given them a bad name as being aggressive and boisterous.

0:16:30 > 0:16:37So when a call came in to the RSPCA I was keen to see if they lived up to their bad reputation.

0:16:43 > 0:16:48'Today I'm on the south coast of Pembrokeshire in West Wales.

0:16:50 > 0:16:57'I'm with RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben, who's received a phone call about a Staffordshire Bull Terrier

0:16:57 > 0:17:00'being kept in poor conditions.'

0:17:00 > 0:17:04- Hiya. How are you doing? We're from the RSPCA.- Hello.

0:17:04 > 0:17:08- Is it all right to come in? - Yeah.- Thank you.

0:17:08 > 0:17:15'It's the second time Keith has been called to this house about the dog, a bundle of energy called Gus.'

0:17:15 > 0:17:19I've had another complaint about him saying he's got no water outside.

0:17:19 > 0:17:25'Kirsty has four young children. She's quick to admit she's struggling to cope with Gus,

0:17:25 > 0:17:28'who belonged to her ex-partner.'

0:17:28 > 0:17:32I know you've got more than enough on your plate with the kids.

0:17:32 > 0:17:39- This is why I might get rid of him. - If you sign him over to me today, I can get him into the animal centre.

0:17:39 > 0:17:42- He's not going to be put down? - He won't be.

0:17:42 > 0:17:48I'll take him to the animal centre and they'll assess him for two weeks before he goes up for rehoming.

0:17:48 > 0:17:52We'll get him neutered, which is absolutely a must.

0:17:52 > 0:17:59'As part of the Bull Terrier family, Staffies have a reputation for being aggressive,

0:17:59 > 0:18:01'but they are popular pets.'

0:18:01 > 0:18:05My two oldest love him. They'll be home in half an hour.

0:18:05 > 0:18:10He'll do everything for them. He'll take a treat out their hands.

0:18:10 > 0:18:17- He's not a bad dog, which is why I don't want him put down.- There's no reason for us to put him to sleep.

0:18:17 > 0:18:22- He's just playful.- I've been crying! - Your youngest is scared of him?

0:18:22 > 0:18:27- Because he's big and boisterous? - He was fine at first. He's only one.

0:18:27 > 0:18:33He's knocked her over, running round. Other than that, he's really, really good.

0:18:33 > 0:18:36I am gutted. He's been lush.

0:18:36 > 0:18:40'Gus is more good natured than I expected,

0:18:40 > 0:18:47'but he does like to play fight. He's not being aggressive, but he could hurt young children.'

0:18:48 > 0:18:52- You are lovely, aren't you? - Less of that biting, come on.

0:18:52 > 0:18:55He's been rolling around out there.

0:18:55 > 0:19:00'Reluctantly, Kirsty signs the excitable Gus over to the RSPCA.'

0:19:00 > 0:19:04- There we are. Do you want to bring him out to the van?- Can I not?

0:19:04 > 0:19:06Are you sure? OK. That's fine.

0:19:07 > 0:19:11Hey, you all right? We'll find him a good home

0:19:11 > 0:19:15and I'll get him neutered and he'll be fine.

0:19:15 > 0:19:19- Come on, then.- Is he going to take me for a walk?- Probably!

0:19:19 > 0:19:25- He takes me everywhere. - 'Kirsty's very fond of Gus, but he needs lots of attention

0:19:25 > 0:19:31- 'and she just doesn't have the time.'- He's dying to go out now. Belly rub.

0:19:31 > 0:19:35Thank you very much. You take care now.

0:19:35 > 0:19:38Come on then, Gus.

0:19:41 > 0:19:43'It's a tearful goodbye.

0:19:43 > 0:19:49'But Keith is sure that this is the best thing for Kirsty and her dog.'

0:19:49 > 0:19:54This dog needs a lot of exercise, a lot of time spent with him.

0:19:54 > 0:19:58We keep going back about mental stimulation. They're not thick.

0:19:58 > 0:20:03- This dog is an intelligent creature. - 'Outside, Gus calms down,

0:20:03 > 0:20:10'which is a welcome surprise bearing in mind the bad press Staffies have had in the past.'

0:20:10 > 0:20:17- Why have Staffies got that reputation?- I think it all goes down to young lads out on the streets

0:20:17 > 0:20:22wanting a status symbol. A Staffie is quite a hard-looking dog.

0:20:22 > 0:20:28Unduly, they've got this reputation as a hard dog. They can make smashing family pets,

0:20:28 > 0:20:32but there's good and bad in every breed. Look at him now.

0:20:32 > 0:20:36We just brought him out. He doesn't know us, but he's calmed down.

0:20:36 > 0:20:41And I'm sure he'll make a really nice pet for someone.

0:20:41 > 0:20:46I can stroke you without you taking a little nibble on us.

0:20:46 > 0:20:52'For those owners who keep Staffies as status symbols, tail docking used to be common practice

0:20:52 > 0:20:58'to make them look less friendly. But Gus still has his tail and it never stops wagging,

0:20:58 > 0:21:03'especially when he gets a much-needed drink.' Bottle fed!

0:21:03 > 0:21:06'With his thirst quenched,

0:21:06 > 0:21:11'Gus is on his way to the RSPCA's animal shelter.

0:21:11 > 0:21:13'The aim now will be to rehome him,

0:21:13 > 0:21:17'preferably with an owner who has experience of Staffies.

0:21:17 > 0:21:22'Laura Simpson will be in charge of finding a new home for Gus.'

0:21:22 > 0:21:26- Is it easy or difficult to rehome Staffies?- Not too difficult.

0:21:26 > 0:21:28We do rehome them,

0:21:28 > 0:21:35but everything that's in the newspaper about them doesn't make it any easier.

0:21:35 > 0:21:37But we get through them.

0:21:39 > 0:21:43'Gus is taken to his new temporary home and another big test -

0:21:43 > 0:21:47'seeing how he reacts to other dogs in the kennels.

0:21:50 > 0:21:56'But Gus seems to want to make a good impression with his new neighbours.

0:21:57 > 0:22:02'And soon he's relaxing out in his own back yard.'

0:22:02 > 0:22:05- Hello, Gus.- All right, Gus?

0:22:05 > 0:22:11- So what happens now? What's the regime here? - We'll leave him to settle in

0:22:11 > 0:22:18for five days or so, just while we assess him, see what his temperament's like,

0:22:18 > 0:22:21what he seems like with the dogs next door.

0:22:21 > 0:22:26- Roughly how long do you think he'll be here?- It would depend.

0:22:26 > 0:22:32A good all-round dog will find a home pretty quickly - good with children, animals.

0:22:32 > 0:22:36He'd certainly find a home. He seems a lovely little dog.

0:22:38 > 0:22:42'So good news for Gus and Keith's happy, too.'

0:22:42 > 0:22:46We've not only helped the dog, we've helped everyone.

0:22:46 > 0:22:51Often people are reluctant and say, "Actually, I can't cope with this.

0:22:51 > 0:22:55"Help me." They won't do that. But Gus will get a good home.

0:22:55 > 0:23:01- Well done. Hopefully, in a month or so he'll be bounding around near here as happy as Larry.- Yeah.

0:23:01 > 0:23:07'And Gus has made me realise that some Staffies don't deserve their bad name.'

0:23:13 > 0:23:18Coming up: the stowaway spider giving everyone the creeps.

0:23:18 > 0:23:23Not one I recognise. He's the right markings for a Black Widow.

0:23:26 > 0:23:32Now we're back in Lancashire where the RSPCA is facing an influx of cats and kittens.

0:23:32 > 0:23:38Earlier, we saw Inspector Helen Smith take away eight cats from an owner

0:23:38 > 0:23:43who was struggling to cope. Now there's another distress call.

0:23:48 > 0:23:54Nelson in Lancashire. And on this terraced street a young cat called Socks has been left behind

0:23:54 > 0:23:57after her family moved on.

0:24:00 > 0:24:02Hello! Here about the cat.

0:24:02 > 0:24:04Thank you.

0:24:04 > 0:24:09Scared and lonely, she's been hanging round her home,

0:24:09 > 0:24:13completely unaware her family is long gone.

0:24:15 > 0:24:18Luckily, though, this poor cat does have one friend.

0:24:18 > 0:24:24Neighbour Emma Savage has been caring for Socks since her owners decided they no longer wanted her.

0:24:24 > 0:24:29- How long have they left her for? - About three weeks.- Three weeks.

0:24:29 > 0:24:33- Yeah.- And have you been feeding the cat?- On and off.- Right.

0:24:34 > 0:24:39It's been in the garden all morning. Now I've turned up it's gone!

0:24:39 > 0:24:45It's typical, but hopefully it will make an appearance when it hears food.

0:24:46 > 0:24:50- Helen's tempting technique seems to have paid off.- Here it is.

0:24:50 > 0:24:54Or maybe not. Helen has to give chase.

0:24:54 > 0:24:59We'll just see if we can get it and identify it.

0:24:59 > 0:25:03The problem is with cats, obviously, quite a lot look the same.

0:25:03 > 0:25:09I don't want to take somebody's much-loved pet if it's not the right one,

0:25:09 > 0:25:12so we'll go and see.

0:25:12 > 0:25:17- This cat's proving to be elusive. - SHE WHISTLES

0:25:18 > 0:25:24But as Helen's hunt takes her towards the canal, she does have some success with her biscuits.

0:25:24 > 0:25:27There's geese coming towards us!

0:25:27 > 0:25:33The goose may be keen for a gander at Helen's bait, but Socks is still nowhere to be seen.

0:25:33 > 0:25:38We'll go back down to the original house.

0:25:39 > 0:25:43That's obviously the place where it knows it's getting fed.

0:25:43 > 0:25:50Helen's determined to catch this missing moggie. She heads back to the house to find out more.

0:25:54 > 0:25:59Can't find it! So how often does it come to this house for food, then?

0:25:59 > 0:26:04- It tends to just appear once and then it will come back.- Right.

0:26:04 > 0:26:10- And sits on your windowsill?- Yeah. - Always really hungry when you feed it?- Yeah.- Right.

0:26:10 > 0:26:17There's still no sign of Socks. Helen opts for a more potent bait to lure her inside.

0:26:17 > 0:26:22Have you got any tuna or anything? Anything quite strong smelling?

0:26:22 > 0:26:28Can you put a little tuna brine in a dish for me? I'll see if that will attract it.

0:26:28 > 0:26:32Helen's now relying on Emma to detain the deserted cat

0:26:32 > 0:26:35when it eventually reappears.

0:26:35 > 0:26:38Thank you. Bye.

0:26:39 > 0:26:44When Emma's caught Socks, Helen will be back to collect her.

0:26:44 > 0:26:48She'll then have to find her a new and more caring owner to live with.

0:26:53 > 0:27:00Socks is just one of nearly 5,000 abandoned cats that are rescued by the RSPCA every year.

0:27:03 > 0:27:09But for every feline that's unwanted, there are those owners who can't bear to be separated.

0:27:09 > 0:27:17We are going to our next job now. Apparently there's a cat or kitten that's tethered in the back garden.

0:27:17 > 0:27:19The rope's attached to its collar.

0:27:19 > 0:27:25It has no shelter or anything. I don't know why anyone would want to tether a cat.

0:27:25 > 0:27:29Maybe they think it'll run off. I'm just going to take a look.

0:27:29 > 0:27:34Tethering a cat by its collar can prove fatal.

0:27:34 > 0:27:38Helen needs to establish if there is any truth in this unusual complaint.

0:27:42 > 0:27:48- Hello. Sorry to bother you. RSPCA. We've had a call about a cat tethered in the back garden.- No.

0:27:48 > 0:27:51- It's young...- Right.- Come in.

0:27:51 > 0:27:57Inside, owner Paul Brown is proud to show Helen his much-loved new kitten called Tiddles.

0:27:57 > 0:28:00Where's the rope? Outside?

0:28:02 > 0:28:06Paul admits he has been tying Tiddles up in the back yard.

0:28:06 > 0:28:08He's terrified she'll run away.

0:28:08 > 0:28:12It seems he didn't realise just how dangerous this could be.

0:28:12 > 0:28:17You can't tether a cat because they have different neck structure.

0:28:17 > 0:28:24So if she doesn't know she's tethered and she goes to run off - she's only a little 'un -

0:28:24 > 0:28:27she's going to strangulate herself.

0:28:27 > 0:28:33- If you're letting her out for the first time, keep her hungry. - She tried to jump out.- She will.

0:28:33 > 0:28:36She'll be off, but she'll come back. I promise.

0:28:36 > 0:28:41It's natural for cats to explore their territory,

0:28:41 > 0:28:46but Paul is worried his precious pet might get lost.

0:28:46 > 0:28:50To give him some extra reassurance, Helen turns to technology.

0:28:50 > 0:28:56We'll microchip her for you. If she does run off and she's found, you'll get her straight back.

0:28:57 > 0:29:01Hold really tight onto her. Mind your fingers.

0:29:01 > 0:29:04Oh, good girl.

0:29:04 > 0:29:10Tiddles is clearly well loved. Although her flatmate might sometimes yearn for peace and quiet,

0:29:10 > 0:29:14her family are desperate to keep her close. Helen lets Paul in

0:29:14 > 0:29:19on her tried and tested method of luring cats back home.

0:29:19 > 0:29:26If she does run off, don't panic! If you can't find her, go and get a tin of tuna or something.

0:29:26 > 0:29:30Get some of that and she'll come. They're food orientated, cats.

0:29:30 > 0:29:36- They'll come for tuna. - She does as well, the dog.- Yeah.

0:29:36 > 0:29:38- All right, thank you. Bye.- Ta-ra.

0:29:39 > 0:29:43The family promises never to tether Tiddles again.

0:29:43 > 0:29:50Helen leaves happy that this was all down to Paul being a bit of an over-protective parent.

0:29:50 > 0:29:55He was just scared that it's never going to come back, so he put it on a lead.

0:29:55 > 0:30:00He's not just tethering it 24/7 and never looking at it.

0:30:00 > 0:30:04He just needed advice telling him not to do that.

0:30:10 > 0:30:17Still to come: Socks is caught but has her life on the streets taken its toll?

0:30:17 > 0:30:23We're going to look in the belly for any little kittens. It should tell us if she's pregnant or not.

0:30:23 > 0:30:26It's quite an accurate technique to use.

0:30:30 > 0:30:36The ability to handle animals of all shapes and sizes in difficult and challenging circumstances

0:30:36 > 0:30:42is all part and parcel of work with the RSPCA. Earlier, we saw Animal Collection Office Justin Stubbs

0:30:42 > 0:30:47help to rescue two ducklings trapped next to a water wheel.

0:30:47 > 0:30:51His latest call out is to something more creepy than cute.

0:30:58 > 0:31:03The fens of East Anglia, landscape that can be dark and brooding.

0:31:05 > 0:31:13It's a location that perfectly befits the creature Justin Stubbs has just been called out to collect.

0:31:13 > 0:31:20I'm going to a removal firm in the fens. They have a spider that a couple of members of staff found

0:31:20 > 0:31:24that looks bizarre. They've never seen one like this.

0:31:25 > 0:31:31They're worried that it's a foreign spider and could be venomous or something.

0:31:31 > 0:31:36It's not unheard of for spiders to hitch a lift on various deliveries.

0:31:36 > 0:31:43We regularly get calls to various supermarkets or houses because of something weird on their red grapes.

0:31:43 > 0:31:49As an Animal Collection Officer, Justin has to confront all sorts of creatures,

0:31:49 > 0:31:54- but today's assignment gives him the jitters.- I hope it is a British spider!

0:31:54 > 0:32:00I'm arachnophobic. I really don't like spiders. Pretty terrified.

0:32:00 > 0:32:06I jump on the sofa if there's a spider coming, so fingers crossed it's British.

0:32:08 > 0:32:12The strange spider has been found by Andrew and Christina Cannon.

0:32:12 > 0:32:16Fortunately for Justin, they've managed to catch it.

0:32:16 > 0:32:19It's not quite a tarantula.

0:32:19 > 0:32:23- Hiya.- Hello. - RSPCA, come about your spider.

0:32:23 > 0:32:27The big question is can Justin conquer his fear?

0:32:27 > 0:32:31- We put him in these little cups. - Lovely. That's a relief.

0:32:31 > 0:32:35Safely contained in the cup, Justin needn't panic,

0:32:35 > 0:32:39but he does have to identify the mysterious arachnid.

0:32:39 > 0:32:44I'm going to go with "It's something strange," actually.

0:32:44 > 0:32:51The markings on its abdomen suggest this small spider could pack a deadly punch.

0:32:51 > 0:32:53He's not one I recognise.

0:32:53 > 0:33:01He's the right shape and markings for a Black Widow, but it's too big. And he has faint red dots on him.

0:33:01 > 0:33:04This is a potentially dangerous creature.

0:33:04 > 0:33:09It's vital Justin finds out exactly what species it is.

0:33:09 > 0:33:15- Any idea where he's come from? - We do removals all over the world, so we don't really know.

0:33:15 > 0:33:17The last one we did was only Europe.

0:33:17 > 0:33:23The stowaway spider was discovered in the firm's warehouse by two unsuspecting workers.

0:33:23 > 0:33:26- We do a lot of export work.- Yeah.

0:33:26 > 0:33:30They were sorting out the blankets which are up there.

0:33:30 > 0:33:34- That's where the little fella was actually sitting.- OK.

0:33:35 > 0:33:41Justin's got an idea what this wannabe black widow might actually be.

0:33:41 > 0:33:44He decides to do a bit of spider sleuthing.

0:33:44 > 0:33:47Yeah, a false black widow.

0:33:47 > 0:33:50- Definitely looks more like that. - Yeah.

0:33:50 > 0:33:54Fortunately, this mimic is not as hazardous as its deadly cousin.

0:33:54 > 0:33:59A real black widow, if I'm correct, is a bit more venomous than a false one.

0:33:59 > 0:34:02It's a bit smaller, different environment.

0:34:02 > 0:34:07They've got similar markings, presumably to scare off various predators.

0:34:07 > 0:34:13A false black widow, although it can give you a good bite, is a lot less dangerous than a real black widow.

0:34:13 > 0:34:18But this doesn't help Justin when it comes to his arachnophobia.

0:34:18 > 0:34:22- He looks friendly enough, doesn't he? - Hmm.- I think he liked you.

0:34:23 > 0:34:25LAUGHTER

0:34:25 > 0:34:28He can like somebody else at the other end!

0:34:29 > 0:34:33To be certain that this isn't a lethal black widow,

0:34:33 > 0:34:35Justin needs an expert's opinion.

0:34:35 > 0:34:39The spider may be sealed inside a container,

0:34:39 > 0:34:42but a jumpy Justin is not taking any chances.

0:34:43 > 0:34:50Until I know for sure what he is, or she is, she can stay in the front with me where I can see her,

0:34:50 > 0:34:56hideously close to my leg, but I know she's not going to get out of there and escape around the back.

0:34:56 > 0:35:02I'm pretty sure he's one of these false black widows, but I'm no spider expert.

0:35:02 > 0:35:04I'll let somebody else decide.

0:35:04 > 0:35:08Certain types of false black widow spiders are native to the UK,

0:35:08 > 0:35:12but no-one knows where this one has come from,

0:35:12 > 0:35:16so its new home will be the Exotic Pet Refuge in Peterborough.

0:35:21 > 0:35:26The centre is home to more than 400 different animals

0:35:26 > 0:35:30from unwanted exotic pets to injured British wildlife.

0:35:31 > 0:35:37Assistant manager Paddy Breslin will be looking after the refuge's newest resident.

0:35:40 > 0:35:43- Hi, Paddy.- Hiya.

0:35:43 > 0:35:46Right, one spider...thing.

0:35:46 > 0:35:48I'm hoping it's a false black widow.

0:35:48 > 0:35:52Paddy thinks Justin has identified the spider correctly.

0:35:52 > 0:35:55It does look like a false black widow.

0:35:55 > 0:36:01What we're looking for, pretty much, is the colour on the back of it, rather than on the underside of it.

0:36:01 > 0:36:05And I can't see any pattern at all on the underside of it.

0:36:05 > 0:36:11But on the top of it, there is a faint pattern or colour,

0:36:11 > 0:36:15which tells me it's a false black widow and a female.

0:36:15 > 0:36:21And it seems Justin was right to be cautious when it came to handling the spider.

0:36:21 > 0:36:26People can have allergies to the venom and that would affect them in a bigger way.

0:36:26 > 0:36:33It could turn out fatal, but most of the time, it just causes swellings and they have to go to hospital.

0:36:35 > 0:36:39Finally released from her plastic cup prison,

0:36:39 > 0:36:44this false black widow spider will start a new life in this sealed vivarium,

0:36:44 > 0:36:47which suits Justin down to the ground.

0:36:47 > 0:36:53- He's going...- Yeah, I'm more than happy to be getting rid of it to somebody as quickly as possible.

0:36:53 > 0:36:58I can't stand them, as fascinating as they are,

0:36:58 > 0:37:02and I'm delighted to get it into somewhere that can look after it

0:37:02 > 0:37:06and it can have a long and happy life of up to six years, apparently.

0:37:15 > 0:37:20Finally, we're back to Lancashire where RSPCA Inspector Helen Smith

0:37:20 > 0:37:24has been dealing with unwanted and abandoned cats and kittens.

0:37:24 > 0:37:31Earlier, Helen was called to a house in Nelson where the owners had moved on and left the cat behind.

0:37:31 > 0:37:35On her last visit, she failed to catch her. Now she's back.

0:37:40 > 0:37:46It's been three days since RSPCA Inspector Helen Smith was on the hunt for the missing moggy.

0:37:49 > 0:37:55Socks has been living rough for several weeks, but now she's been caught by neighbour Emma Savage.

0:37:56 > 0:37:59Hello, Socks. Hello.

0:38:00 > 0:38:06Abandoned by her family, Socks seems keen to be finally getting some attention.

0:38:06 > 0:38:08You're beautiful, aren't you?

0:38:08 > 0:38:11Even as Helen gathers her up...

0:38:11 > 0:38:14Good cat. I'll put you in the basket.

0:38:14 > 0:38:16..Socks remains good-natured.

0:38:16 > 0:38:18There we go. Come on then.

0:38:18 > 0:38:23- Thank you.- Thanks very much. - No problem. Thanks very much. Bye!

0:38:23 > 0:38:29It's a relief for Helen to finally catch this elusive moggy, but now there is a new concern.

0:38:29 > 0:38:35Socks has been living rough for several weeks. Helen is worried she might be pregnant.

0:38:35 > 0:38:42The people who left it may not have made any arrangements for it to be fed or given water, shelter.

0:38:42 > 0:38:46It's been thrown out on to the streets, which is fine for a feral cat,

0:38:46 > 0:38:50but not for a cat that's used to being in a home.

0:38:51 > 0:38:58Helen heads to Tyldesley Vet Surgery where Socks will be given a thorough examination.

0:38:59 > 0:39:01- Hello.- Hello.

0:39:01 > 0:39:03- Right.- What have you brought us?

0:39:03 > 0:39:08This is just a cat that we've found. It's apparently been abandoned.

0:39:08 > 0:39:13The owners moved out of the house. Somebody else has moved into the house now.

0:39:13 > 0:39:17The neighbour's been feeding it for about two or three days.

0:39:17 > 0:39:21- She's only just discovered that it's been kicked out.- Let's have a look.

0:39:21 > 0:39:27- I'm just thinking, if she's female and she's been out...- Do you have any estimate of the age?- No idea.

0:39:27 > 0:39:30The next-door neighbour didn't know.

0:39:31 > 0:39:34Vet Gareth Jones begins his checks.

0:39:34 > 0:39:39- She's got lovely teeth, so she looks quite young. She's probably close to one.- Right.

0:39:39 > 0:39:43- She seems a nice, friendly cat. - Yeah, she's lovely.

0:39:43 > 0:39:45Socks is in good health.

0:39:45 > 0:39:47- She looks in lovely condition.- Yeah.

0:39:47 > 0:39:51But Gareth is also suspicious about her swollen tummy.

0:39:51 > 0:39:56It feels quite large, but I can't say that there's definitely kittens in there.

0:39:56 > 0:40:02- We'll ultrasound her first. - The neighbour did say she has been chased a lot by other cats.

0:40:02 > 0:40:04They wouldn't leave her alone.

0:40:04 > 0:40:09Gareth needs to do further examination to confirm if Socks is expecting kittens.

0:40:11 > 0:40:16Her tummy is shaved ready for an ultrasound scan.

0:40:16 > 0:40:21We're going to have a look in the belly to see if there's any kittens in there or not.

0:40:21 > 0:40:26It's quite an accurate technique to use to see if she's pregnant.

0:40:26 > 0:40:32But it's soon clear that Socks's big belly is simply due to her over-generous neighbours.

0:40:32 > 0:40:38- All I'm seeing is a biggish bladder in there, but no signs of any kittens at all.- That's good news.

0:40:38 > 0:40:40See you soon.

0:40:40 > 0:40:45Socks is given a clean bill of health and with no kittens to worry about,

0:40:45 > 0:40:49she can now begin to recover from her life on the streets.

0:40:50 > 0:40:53It's OK.

0:40:54 > 0:40:56Two months later

0:40:56 > 0:40:59and Socks has been found a new home.

0:41:01 > 0:41:05But she seemed to quite like living by her wits,

0:41:05 > 0:41:09so she's been given a new life that will suit her down to the ground.

0:41:09 > 0:41:15Together with her friend Boots, she's now living at the local mounted police stables

0:41:15 > 0:41:18as the resident rat-catcher.

0:41:18 > 0:41:21Inspector John Hornby is in charge of her care.

0:41:21 > 0:41:27Once Socks and Boots have settled in, hopefully, they'll become natural pest control

0:41:27 > 0:41:31and they'll go round the premises and make sure there's no vermin.

0:41:32 > 0:41:37They've been a pet at one stage and, for whatever reason, they've been abandoned,

0:41:37 > 0:41:41so it's nice to show the animals that there is a second chance.

0:41:41 > 0:41:45Kicked out of her old home, Socks was forced to look out for herself.

0:41:46 > 0:41:50Now those life skills are going to come in very useful

0:41:50 > 0:41:54in a home where she's sure to get plenty of love and attention.

0:41:54 > 0:42:01Soon, they'll be swaggering around like they own the place, so they'll fit right in with everybody here.

0:42:06 > 0:42:12If you think you know of a case of wildlife crime or a creature that needs immediate protection,

0:42:12 > 0:42:17there are people out there who will answer your call right around the clock.

0:42:17 > 0:42:20They are who we meet on Animal 24:7.

0:42:22 > 0:42:27- 'Next time on Animal 24:7...' - Right, put it down.

0:42:27 > 0:42:31'..the huge operation to rescue over 300 animals from a life of squalor.'

0:42:31 > 0:42:37The conditions in every room were really horrendous, really bad. You had to wear a mask.

0:42:37 > 0:42:39Just not pleasant at all.

0:42:39 > 0:42:43'An emergency call-out to a deer hit by a car...'

0:42:43 > 0:42:47The deer's here on the road. What do you think, Les?

0:42:47 > 0:42:49It doesn't look good.

0:42:49 > 0:42:56'And straight from the horse's mouth, a chance to see what's really troubling Victor.'

0:42:56 > 0:43:02He should have six teeth along the top here and he's actually missing all of them.

0:43:23 > 0:43:27Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd 2010

0:43:27 > 0:43:31Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk